How healthcare systems are experienced by autistic adults in the United Kingdom: A meta-ethnography

Added on 28/07/2024

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Scientific research ( ; english)

Sarah Radev * , Megan Freeth , Andrew Thompson
How healthcare systems are experienced by autistic adults in the United Kingdom: A meta-ethnography published in the journal "Autism" Preprint, 13 pages , doi: 10.1177/13623613241235531

*One co-author has publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

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Summary/Presentation

Autistic adults are more likely to experience mental and physical health difficulties, and yet can find it difficult to get the support that they need. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to review the existing research on autistic adults' experiences of accessing healthcare. Four databases were searched for qualitative and mixed-method studies which looked at the experiences of autistic adults who did not also have a learning disability when using healthcare services in the United Kingdom. Fifteen papers met the criteria to be included, and seven steps were used to analyse the information and develop new themes. Three main themes were identified: Professionals' lack of knowledge can be damaging, Need to reduce processing demands and Adaptation to improve engagement. This review highlights how damaging misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, overwhelming environments and systems that are difficult to access can have on the well-being of autistic adults. Limited knowledge and understanding about autism knowledge among healthcare professionals along with autistic adult's own communication and sensory differences indicate that there is a need for improved training developed with autistic adults and adaptations.

For your information:

(1) References in blue are resources listed on our site.

(2) Authors listed in this bibliography whose names are in color have published other resources referenced on the site. Clicking on the name allows you to see the list of resources they have published and shared on the site.

(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

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