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Autistic patients

Author/s: 
Louisa Lok Yee Man, Adeline Lacroix, Meng-Chuan Lai
Date Added: 
July 14, 2025
Journal/Publication: 
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Publication Date: 
July 13, 2025
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Poster
DOI (1): 
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.250152
Keywords 
autism
sensory
delivery of health care
communication
accessibility
gender identity
MeSH 
autistic disorder
mental health
delivery of health care
communication
Treatment access
health services accessibility
gender identity

RPR Commentary

Evidence-based recommendations for ways that primary care clinicians can be helpful to autistic patients. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

Ensuring accessibility helps reduce missed health care for autistic people. Health care delivery should be adapted in light of autism-related sensory profiles. Tailored accommodations should be implemented for each autistic patient’s unique communication profiles and preferences. Health care encounters should be as predictable, clear, and unrushed as possible. Autistic people with intersectional (e.g., cultural, gender) identities often experience discrimination in health care settings, which should be mitigated.