For patients with autism to receive proper care, doctors and their clinical staff need to be knowledgeable of medical conditions commonly associated with autism. They need to understand Autistic patients as individuals, and how to approach assessing whether their patient has any of the various comorbidities.
A standard of medical care for individuals with ASD must be established. There are no current standards, but I sincerely hope the forthcoming Canadian National Autism Strategy will remedy that. Until then, many of the medical problems of Autistic peoplewill continue to go unnoticed and therefore, untreated.
TIPS FOR DOCTORS:
Remember, you're dealing with a whole person. Many times healthcare professionals will talk down to or patronize an autistic patient, not realizing there is a completely unique and complex person standing before them. Learn the patient’s name and the attending caregiver’s name, too, so that the visit is completely personalized to that family.
Speak in a normal or quiet tone of voice.
Allow processing time after asking a question.
Include the patient in all conversations. Include the love object if possible. E.g. a blanket, stuffed animal, doll that the patient might carry with her/him.
Keep your language clear, literal and brief. Allow them time to process information.
Never touch an autistic person without informing them first. Tell them what you are about to do and explain what you are doing while you do it.
Ask about everything you need to know. An Autistic person might not volunteer necessary information.
Check understanding by asking them to repeat back the information you have given to them in their own words.
Give clear instructions – e.g. "Please stand up", rather than "Can you stand up for me?"
Be aware of sensory overload issues: lights, noise, smells. Machines like MRI scanners may cause sensory overload. Anxiety levels are higher in autistic people because they may have difficulty predicting what is going to happen next, as well as difficulty managing change.
In conclusion, keep it simple, respectful, inclusive, and consistent.
Sources:
Senator, Susan. 8 Tips for Medical Professionals Treating People With Autism, Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/all-families-are-not-alike/202202/8-tips-medical-professionals-treating-people-autism , February 19, 2022 .
A brief guide to supporting Autistic Patients, Tuesday, 21 June 2022 https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/display-pil/pil-a-brief-guide-to-supporting-autistic-patients-5708/
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