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Abstract

Introduction and Background

This thesis explores the barriers and facilitators of healthcare access for autistic children in the UK to improve understanding and suggest practical solutions to address healthcare inequalities faced by this population. The study addresses key research questions around the specific challenges autistic children and their families face in accessing healthcare services, the role of healthcare professionals in these experiences and the systemic factors that impact care access and quality.

Methods

The research is structured into three components: a systematic literature review, a survey and qualitative interviews. The literature review synthesises existing research to identify the common barriers such as sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, lack of autism-specific training for healthcare professionals and fragmented healthcare systems. The survey of parents of autistic children and healthcare professionals provides quantitative data on the prevalence of these barriers and the effectiveness of facilitators across different healthcare settings, including general practice, dental care and emergency services. The interviews with parents and healthcare professionals capture the lived experiences and nuances that quantitative data may miss.

Results

The findings reveal that some facilitators, such as autism-friendly environments and provider training, enhance healthcare experiences, however, systemic barriers persist. The barriers include long waiting times, lack of knowledge and training, lack of reasonable adjustments, lack of continuity of care and insufficient resources. The study concludes with policy and practice recommendations that prioritise flexibility, continuity of care and collaborative working with families and autistic individuals. These recommendations aim to promote a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system that can accommodate the needs of autistic children and their families.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Allied Health School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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