The importance and availability of adjustments to improve access for autistic adults who need mental and physical healthcare: findings from UK surveys.

摘要: Objectives To investigate autistic people’s views on the importance and availability of adjustments to mental physical healthcare provision. explore whether specific categories can be identified identify any differences in their between healthcare. Design Data from two studies, both employing a cross-sectional survey design. Setting UK-based adults registered with Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort-UK were contacted by post or online. In recruitment was staged over 12-month period. Non-responders sent single reminder letter 2 weeks after initial contact. Participants 537 completed about health services (51% response rate), 407 (49% rate). Within these samples, 221 participants surveys. Primary outcome measures Each study developed bespoke participants’ services, respectively. Both included an identical list that rated based availability. Results Three factors important identified: sensory environment, clinical service context, clinician knowledge communication. Adjustments across settings widely as being yet rarely available. One significant difference available through identified. reported having access who is willing adapt approach suit person’s preferences significantly more for attending (p=0.001). Conclusions Autistic people limited current address unmet need tackle inequalities faced settings, providers should offer relating three factors. Future research focus identifying addressing provider barriers implementation.