Pia Bradshaw1, Claire Pickett2, Mieke L van Driel3, Katie Brooker4, Anna Urbanowicz5. 1. BIS (Hons), MA, Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, and The Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Qld. 2. MBBS, DipRACOG, Certificate of Sexual and Reproductive Health, General Practitioner, Ballarat Community Health Lucas Facility, Vic. 3. MD, MSc, PhD, FRACGP, General Practitioner and Emeritus Professor, Mayne Academy of General Practice and Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Qld. 4. PhD, BHlthSc (Hons), Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, and The Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Qld. 5. PhD, BSc (Hons), Postdoctoral Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University; Honorary Fellow, Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Qld.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The health and wellbeing of Autistic people are well below those of their non-Autistic counterparts. With studies showing a reduced life expectancy and poor physical and mental health, it is important that healthcare professionals strive towards improving the lives of Autistic people by recognising those who are undiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed and providing meaningful support. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to empower general practitioners (GPs) to feel comfortable in recognising potentially undiagnosed Autistic adults. The authors aim to further the understanding of the Autistic experience, including frequently co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, and to give GPs some tools to make the experience of accessing healthcare less problematic for Autistic people. DISCUSSION: The healthcare experiences of Autistic adults will be greatly improved with a knowledgeable, understanding and accepting GP as the cornerstone of their care.
BACKGROUND: The health and wellbeing of Autistic people are well below those of their non-Autistic counterparts. With studies showing a reduced life expectancy and poor physical and mental health, it is important that healthcare professionals strive towards improving the lives of Autistic people by recognising those who are undiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed and providing meaningful support. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to empower general practitioners (GPs) to feel comfortable in recognising potentially undiagnosed Autistic adults. The authors aim to further the understanding of the Autistic experience, including frequently co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, and to give GPs some tools to make the experience of accessing healthcare less problematic for Autistic people. DISCUSSION: The healthcare experiences of Autistic adults will be greatly improved with a knowledgeable, understanding and accepting GP as the cornerstone of their care.