Working with people with autism spectrum disorder

There are a number of simple ways to make it easier for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to attend a health professional appointment. These are referred to as ‘reasonable adjustments’; see Making your practice disability friendly with reasonable adjustments.

Be aware that there are differing conceptualisations of autism spectrum disorder. The neurodiversity movement conceptualises autism spectrum disorder as a difference, rather than a disability (as in the medical model); however, some of the associated conditions and problems can still be severe and disabling. There are also different ways of referring to people with this condition. Some people with autism spectrum disorder (often people with good verbal skills) identify with the diagnosis and like to be referred to as ‘autistic’. Person-first language is often preferable (eg ‘person with autism’). Other people with autism spectrum disorder prefer to be referred to as ‘person on the spectrum’. Confirm with the individual, where possible, their personal preference for referring to their autism.

Some useful online resources with information for health professionals working with people with autism spectrum disorder, and for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families and carers, are listed in Resources on autism spectrum disorder.