Support for those with autism

Those recorded as having autism has changed dramatically in recent years, likely to be due to improved recognition and recording. In 2023 the number registered with Hampshire Hospitals stood at just under 3,000. There is therefore a growing need to ensure our services are accessible an appropriate for this growing patient number.

Adults with a diagnosis have an increased risk of multiple mental and physical conditions and studies have been conducted reviewing barriers to accessing healthcare in the neurodivergent population. One such study suggested that busy or noisy waiting rooms were a significant barrier to adults with autism accessing health services.

One suggestion to support these patients has been to have a familiar clinician, who understands autism at an easily identified and familiar location. To ensure this happens, Hampshire Hospitals Charity is now working with partners across the trust to fund an all-age autism practitioner to ensure healthcare is accessible to all.

The fixed term practitioner position will work with colleagues across the trust to develop a comprehensive improvement plan for all age groups with autism accessing care and support from Hampshire Hospitals. The practitioner will, among other things, act as a resource to staff seeking advice on accessing services, recommend changes to improve the experience of patients and suggest autism-friendly updates to buildings.

With it predicted that 1 in 100 people could be affected by autism, it’s estimated that between 3,000 and 6,000 people in our community could benefit from the support of this role each year.