INTRODUCTION:
Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant health disparities,including a disproportionately high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities.This study evaluated the effectiveness of social prescribing (SP)-a holistic intervention linking patients to non-medical community support-in managing cardiovascular risk within a primary care health management setting.

METHODS:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Health Management Center of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital.Adults with ASD were randomized into a control group receiving standard clinical care or an intervention group participating in a 6-month SP program. The SP intervention utilized a link worker model,providing participants with personalized, structured community engagement and adapted physical activities.Primary outcomes included Body Mass Index (BMI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP),measured at baseline and after 6 months.

RESULTS:
Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in mean BMI (p<0.05).Furthermore,markers of systemic inflammation,specifically hs-CRP,were significantly lower in the intervention group (p<0.05).These findings indicate an amelioration of subclinical inflammation and a more favorable long-term cardiovascular prognosis.Participant adherence remained high,supporting the feasibility of implementing this non-pharmacological intervention in a general outpatient setting.

CONCLUSIONS:
Social prescribing is an effective and inclusive strategy for mitigating cardiovascular risk factors in adults with ASD.Integrating this model into general outpatient care addresses the social determinants of health,offering a sustainable and scalable pathway to promote health equity for the neurodiverse population.