Barriers to Healthcare for Patients With Autism
Social Communication Differences
Preference for Sameness or Routine
Sensitivity to certain stimuli
Challenges with self-regulationProgram Rationale
- Some of the tendencies inherent in an autism diagnosis can make access to routine healthcare more challenging.
- Children and teens with autism have more complex medical needs in comparison to their typically developing peers.
- Children and teens with autism visit the Emergency Department at higher rates than their typically developing peers.
- Patients with autism utilize the healthcare system more frequently than their typically developing peers. However, they report poorer outcomes and less satisfaction with their healthcare experiences.
- Medical staff report a lack of training and comfort in caring for autistic patients.