Inclusive Medical Care: Supporting autistic people in hospitals
Hospital settings can be overwhelming for many people, but for autistic individuals, the experience can become particularly hard. It is so important that healthcare providers understand how to best support autistic people in a hospital setting.
Inclusive medical care is essential because it improves health outcomes for autistic people. It leads to better assessment, treatment, support, and reduces the chances of medical trauma being experienced. It means the person is more likely to engage with doctors/medical settings in the future if they have a more supportive experience.
1.Understand Sensory Needs
Autistic people often experience heightened sensory sensitivity. Hospital environments can be overwhelming due to bright lights, loud or unexpected noises, tactile sensitivity, and busy waiting areas, especially in emergency departments (ED).
For example, unexpected touch or wearing medical equipment, can be uncomfortable or even painful for autistic people. Tell the person what you are about to do, then ask permission before any physical contact or procedures. Minimise sensory triggers whenever possible.
2. Communication and Interoceptive Differences
Many autistic people find it difficult to articulate what they are feeling, especially when they are in pain or overwhelmed.
Interoceptive differences - difficulty sensing and interpreting internal body signals, can make it even harder to pinpoint or describe symptoms.
To support this, normalise alternative forms of communication i.e. written communication, AAC, visual supports etc.
Pause and allow time for the person to respond.
3. Understand Shutdowns, Meltdowns and Situational Mutism
When autistic people are in significant distress, they may experience shutdown, meltdown, become situationally mute, or even enter a catatonic state.
These are not signs of non-compliance but are rather protective responses to overwhelming situations.
Recognise these responses, provide space, and avoid assumptions.
4. Co-Occurring Physical Health Diagnoses
Be aware that many autistic people have co-occurring physical health diagnoses, such as gastrointestinal issues, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, epilepsy, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia etc.
This awareness can prevent misdiagnosis or mistreatment and lead to more holistic care.
5. Staff Training and Understanding the Autistic Neurotype
One major gap in hospital care is the lack of up-to-date training on autism and the autistic neurotype, especially regarding how autism presents in girls, women and PDAers.
Staff need continuous training and to learn from lived experience perspectives.
Ongoing training in how to reduce medical trauma is also required.
6. Listening NOT Gaslighting
It's crucial that doctors and healthcare providers listen to autistic people.
Medical professionals should never dismiss a person’s concerns.
Instead, get curious, collaborate with the person, and explore options together.
7. Respectful Care
Does the autistic person want someone to speak on their behalf?
Or do they want to communicate their own needs/concerns?
This can vary depending on the autistic person’s preferences, their communication needs, or their current state of well-being.
Keep in mind that many parents of autistic kids are also autistic themselves - they may also be experiencing intense overwhelm and social/sensory fatigue.
Inclusive medical care for autistic people is essential.