By Karina Wensjoe
In 2017, the CDC found that an estimated 2.21% of adults in the United States have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In that same year, Mount Sinai Medical Center became the first hospital in South Florida to establish a sensory-friendly clinic dedicated to the needs of adults with autism. Fast forward to today, the clinic has seen remarkable growth and now serves many more patients. By providing a multidisciplinary approach, the Adult Autism Clinic works alongside primary care physicians and other specialists to treat individuals across the autism spectrum.
With many of the healthcare professionals at the clinic having trained with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), the team’s extensive experience in the field of autism care plays a pivotal role in enhancing the level of care Mount Sinai offers to its patients. Patients appreciate the clinic because they feel they are treated with patience and comprehensive care.
What sets the Adult Autism Clinic apart is its integrative model of care, which addresses not only the behavioral and mental health aspects of autism but also the physical health needs of patients. Led by board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Elizabeth Kury-Perez and psychiatrist Dr. Yanko Enamorado from Mount Sinai’s Behavioral Health Department, the clinic offers patients access to a diverse team of specialists, including cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and neurologists, and other subspecialties. The Adult Autism Clinic provides each patient aged 18 and older a well-rounded, individualized care plan that takes into account their unique needs.
Additionally, the clinic’s close collaboration with Mount Sinai’s Emergency Center and inpatient psychiatric teams allows patients in need inpatient care—whether due to a mental health crisis or other urgent medical concerns—to seamlessly transition between outpatient and inpatient care services.
The clinic offers an array of services designed to support patients in all aspects of their lives. This includes referrals to community-based therapists who specialize in adult autism, medication management, mental health assessments, diagnostic screenings, and lab work. In recognizing the varied needs of adults with autism, the clinic tailors its services to accommodate everyone, from verbal to non-verbal patients. Plus, by fostering a calm, welcoming environment, patients have ample time to settle before their appointments.
For follow-up appointments, patients receive 45-minute time slots, while new patients are allotted an hour and a half for initial evaluations. These patients need to have some awareness and preparation beforehand; otherwise, they may become anxious. This thoughtful approach not only supports the patients but also helps build rapport between them and their care teams.
While patient care remains the Adult Autism Clinic’s top priority, Mount Sinai recognizes that the impact of autism extends to families. Supporting loved ones in their caregiving roles, the clinic offers comprehensive care management and resource support, empowering families to navigate the complexities of autism.
Although the clinic is based in South Florida, its influence stretches far beyond the region. Patients from Central Florida and beyond travel to Miami Beach, seeking the clinic’s specialized services that are not readily available elsewhere.
As the Adult Autism Clinic continues to expand its patient-base, its impact speaks to a broader societal shift toward understanding and addressing the needs of adults with autism. Mount Sinai hopes to inspire others by remaining at forefront of this sector of healthcare, ensuring that those with autism receive not only the care they need but also the recognition and respect they deserve.
To learn more about Mount Sinai’s Adult Autism Clinic, please visit https://www.msmc.com/medical_care/adult-autism-clinic/.
