A trial of the AASPIRE healthcare toolkit with Australian adults on the autism spectrum

Background Autistic adults experience barriers to accessing health care, such as service provider communication not meeting their needs, healthcare facilities causing sensory discomfort and feeling fear or anxiety regarding their healthcare visit. The Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian journal of primary health 2022-05, Vol.28 (4), p.350-356
Main Authors: Kang, Lisa R. J., Barlott, Tim, Turpin, Merrill, Urbanowicz, Anna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Anxiety
Autism
Autistic adults
Communication
Discomfort
Feedback
Health care policy
Health promotion
Interviews
Medical personnel
Mental disorders
Mental health
Primary care
Professional attitudes
Professionals
Psychologists
Qualitative research
Questionnaires
User experience
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Summary:Background Autistic adults experience barriers to accessing health care, such as service provider communication not meeting their needs, healthcare facilities causing sensory discomfort and feeling fear or anxiety regarding their healthcare visit. The Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) developed and trialled an online healthcare toolkit to reduce such barriers and improve healthcare interactions between autistic adults and their primary care providers in the United States. This preliminary study aimed to explore experiences of autistic adults using the AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit in Australia. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six autistic adults about their experiences and perceptions of utilising the toolkit in an Australian healthcare setting. Results Participants identified that the toolkit facilitated their interactions with health professionals by providing structure to appointments, supplementing new knowledge and increasing individual confidence. They also offered suggestions to tailor the toolkit for use in Australia. Conclusions Future research should seek to explore the experiences of autistic adults using a version of the toolkit adapted for Australian use, as well as exploring the views of health professionals utilising it.
ISSN:1448-7527
1836-7399
DOI:10.1071/PY21134