Healthcare Access & Disparities for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Recent estimates suggest that there are about 5.5 million adults on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) in the United States (Waismen Center, 2024). The healthcare system must be updated to address their unique needs, with numbers rapidly rising.

People with Autism often have more significant healthcare needs than their non-autistic peers (National Autism Indicators Report, 2023). Unfortunately, they are twice as likely to have unmet healthcare needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore why getting adequate healthcare is so challenging for people on the Autism Spectrum and what it means to their overall health. More importantly, we’ll discuss steps parents, individuals, and caregivers can take to make care more straightforward and accessible.

Why Healthcare Feels Like a Maze for Autistic People

Getting adequate healthcare can be confusing, especially for adults with Autism. Significant barriers exist, making accessing quality care difficult.

Communication Barriers

Difficulty explaining symptoms verbally.
Challenges understanding medical terms.
Office staff have limited understanding of how to communicate with neurodivergent patients.

Diagnostic Delays and Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnoses are common due to miscommunication.
Autistic traits can be mistaken for ADHD, anxiety, or other conditions.
Many healthcare providers lack information on neurodivergence, leading to delays in treatment.

Sensory and Accessibility Issues

Very few offices/hospitals offer quiet spaces or sensory-friendly accommodations.
Inflexible scheduling and long wait times add stress to already stressful situations.
There is limited physical accessibility, such as poor wheelchair access.

These frustrating challenges directly affect health outcomes. For example, 70% of autistic adults report unmet medical needs due to difficulty accessing healthcare (Bishop, 2024). The good news? Change is possible.

Why Mental Health Support Feels Out of Reach for Autistic Individuals

Mental health challenges are common among people with Autism. Studies show that they are up to four times as likely to experience anxiety or depression than their neurotypical peers.

The stigma of mental health barriers and neurodivergence issues makes it even harder. Some autistic adults downplay their struggles, assuming that they can handle the situation independently. They treat asking for help as a sign of weakness and go it alone.

Worse, research shows that when someone with ASD decides to seek help, they struggle with the healthcare system. It can seem impossible as there is a shortage of mental health professionals who understand neurodiversity issues. Without this specialization, therapy can feel ineffective or even harmful.

The Intersection of Neurodivergence and Healthcare Inequities

While healthcare for neurodivergent individuals is challenging, factors like race, gender, and location make it even more difficult.

Intersectionality matters: People excluded from mainstream society are often treated as insignificant. Neurodivergent individuals of color may encounter racial bias as well, leading to poorer health outcomes.
Culturally competent care is lacking: The lack of training of healthcare workers in cultural, socioeconomic, or gender differences can result in dismissive or irrelevant care/practices.
We need better data: Research on neurodivergent health experiences is limited, especially for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Advocating for Change: Creating Better Healthcare for Autistic Individuals

People with Autism and their families face unique challenges, mainly resulting in limited access to specialized services. It’s time for change.

Improving doctor and nurse training is essential. With better education on neurodiversity and inclusive care, healthcare professionals can provide support that meets each patient’s needs.

How You Can Help:

Advocate: Advocate for better training of healthcare providers and provide resources that address the unique needs of patients on the Autism Spectrum.
Educate: Share personal experiences to raise awareness about the healthcare needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Collaborate: Partner with schools, support groups, and policymakers to push for systemic improvements on the federal, state, and local levels.

Together, we can build a more inclusive healthcare system where everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for. Change starts with us!