Improving Health Care for Autistic Adults

Autism is a neurodevelopmental variation with differences in social communication, behaviour, and interactions with the environment. While autism has historically been considered a childhood condition, more and more people are being identified as autistic in adulthood. This shift in understanding the lifespan experiences of an autistic person has highlighted the need for health care services to adapt to the unique needs of autistic adults.

Why is Health Care Different for Autistic Adults?

Autistic adults often face numerous challenges in receiving appropriate health care. Several factors contribute to this issue:

• Limited Understanding of Autism in Adulthood

  Many health care providers have limited experience and knowledge about how autism presents in adults. Autism can manifest differently in adults than in children, and some adults may have developed coping mechanisms that mask their autistic traits. This can lead to misinterpretations of symptoms and inaccurate diagnoses.

• Overlapping Symptoms with Other Conditions

  Some autistic traits can overlap with symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or personality disorders.

• Sensory Sensitivities and Communication Differences

  Autistic adults may have sensory sensitivities and communication differences that can make it challenging to navigate traditional health care settings. Bright lights, loud noises, and certain textures can be overwhelming for some autistic individuals, causing anxiety and discomfort. Additionally, autistic adults may have difficulty expressing their needs or understanding medical jargon, which can hinder effective communication with health care providers. Many autistic adults also report feeling judged by health professionals.

How To Adapt Your Services

Adapting health care to the needs of autistic adults is crucial for several reasons:

• Recognising Neurodiversity

  It is important to recognise that autism is a normal variation of the human condition and that autistic individuals have unique strengths and perspectives. Health care providers should adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach, which values and respects the diversity of human brains and experiences.

• Enhanced Communication and Patient Comfort

  Health care settings can be adapted to be more sensory-friendly and accommodating to the communication needs of autistic adults. This can include reducing sensory overload by dimming lights, minimising noise, and providing quiet spaces. Health care providers can also use clear and concise language, avoid medical jargon, and allow extra time for autistic patients to process information.

• Better Health Outcomes

  When health care is adapted to meet the needs of autistic adults, they are more likely to receive appropriate care and support, leading to better health outcomes. This can include improved management of co-occurring conditions, reduced anxiety and stress, and increased overall well-being.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for independent research that is specific to the needs of an individual patient / client.