Background: Overdose-related deaths in adolescents have increased, making recognition and treatment of substance use (SU) an issue of critical importance. However, pediatricians are failing to screen and manage SU withdrawal among hospitalized adolescents. Driving factors include no standard process, addiction specialists’ discomfort in treating pediatrics, and discomfort in inpatient providers in managing addiction. Through this [...]

Background: The health care transition (HCT) from adolescence to young adulthood is a vulnerable time for youth with special health care needs (YSHCN). Inadequate preparation and support from clinicians, increased responsibilities, and lack of ongoing parental assistance may lead to worsening health conditions. It is generally understood that YSHCN should undergo a structured pediatric to [...]

Case Presentation: A 15-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, and anxiety presented to the emergency department (ED) with aphasia, agitation, and unusual gait. His mother reported stuttering, decreased oral intake, and difficulty with daily activities. He visited the ED for similar symptoms over the past few months. His outpatient provider trialed lorazepam, which [...]