Barriers and Facilitators of Healthcare Access for Autistic Children in the UK: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Individuals with autism are more likely to suffer from various physical and mental health problems and experience disparities in effectively accessing healthcare services. This review aims to identify studies that report on the experiences of autistic children, their parents/carers, and the healthcare professionals treating them; to develop an understanding of the facilitators and barriers to healthcare access in order to inform policies and practice to improve access to healthcare for autistic children in the UK. Methods A total of 3069 records were screened, and 24 studies were included; six quantitative, four qualitative, and fourteen mixed-methodology studies. Results Professional and parental knowledge about autism, sensory issues, challenging behaviour, system-level barriers, patient-provider-parent communication issues, lack of person-centred care, stigma, and culture emerged as significant barriers to accessing healthcare for autistic children. Conclusions Families of autistic children experience several barriers to accessing healthcare. Recommendations for those planning services and clinicians are discussed.