An NHS fit for autistic people
Find out why our Young Ambassadors are campaigning to close the #AutismHealthGap
Support the campaignRosie, Young Ambassador
“As an autistic person I have had many experiences of health care. These images describe the variety of encounters I have had."
"The first was truly devastating. I was in shut down and unable to speak, although I could communicate through sign language and writing. Due to a lack of understanding the doctor insisted I spoke. I felt very humiliated and it was clearly causing distress to the point we could not even continue. This also prolonged my stay in hospital and led to misinformed or unnecessary referrals. "
“The second illustrates how challenging standard questions can be for autistic individuals. My tendency to think literally and difficulty describing feelings and sensations meant I couldn't communicate my pain levels. I ended up not receiving any treatment until I was at a crisis point.”
“The final image shows how a simple question can make a huge difference. Opening up the conversation around autism in healthcare allows autistic patients and their carers to communicate their specific needs and have positive and effective appointments.”
“These are just my experiences, but I know many autistic individuals have been through similar things. We cannot ignore the #AutismHealthGap any longer. It's time to start the conversation and help make an NHS fit for autistic people.”
- Rosie, Young Ambassador
Finty, Young Ambassador
This is a series of three poems written based on my diary entries from the same day on three separate occasions over 9 years.
“I want to emphasise that as neurodiverse people, we have the power to campaign for better services and lead by example in the work we do, teaching our peers about the importance of just listening and being more aware.”
"I worry for when the day comes that either I'm hurt or unwell enough not to be able to self-advocate, or where my parent or partner isn't with me to translate. I don't know how I can get that across to a doctor who doesn't understand autism.”
Maya, Young Ambassador
“What I want, as an autistic person, is to be believed, understood and to be given information without a condescending tone. I would like to be provided help instead of diluting the issue I may have and rephrasing it as if I was a child.”
Hannah, Young Ambassador
“I have had medical professionals mistake my autistic shutdown - due to a traumatic medical procedure and lack of adequate sedation - as being sedated which has left me with medical trauma.”