Independence is healthy.

At First Place Global, we believe a purposeful, independent life requires the best possible healthcare support in clinics, hospitals—and at home.

Collaboration, education and activation.

Through strategic collaborations, curriculum, housing initiatives and advocacy, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy and Colonel Harland Sanders Center for Applied Research are aligned in helping guide adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) on a continuum of comprehensive, whole-person care over the lifetime.

Healthcare & Academic Collaborations

Partnerships with universities result in better care for individuals with autism and/or I/DD.

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360 Health & Wellness® Curriculum

Supporting the successful transition from adolescent to adult healthcare.

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Examining the healthcare gap.

Children with autism and/or I/DD grow up to be adults with autism and/or I/DD. And when those adults no longer have their pediatric physician or parents to look after them, they still need regular healthcare—and often more than they needed as children.

With fewer available supports and resources, a lack of life skills necessary to manage their own healthcare and too few physicians who care for autistic adults, the quality of routine preventive care is often affected as individuals with autism and/or I/DD age into adulthood.

Many factors contribute to the autism and/or I/DD healthcare gap:

  • Autism is often viewed as a childhood condition.
  • More than half of all adults with autism have co-occurring conditions.
  • Most adults with autism and/or I/DD live with social and communication challenges.
  • Many doctors are not trained to care for autistic adults and those with I/DD.
  • Different patients require different accommodations.
  • Without strong, consistent support from family members, most adults with autism and/or I/DD are left to manage medical records and medications on their own.