A course to develop your skills and strategies to help individuals with ASD overcome barriers that they may experience during their visit to healthcare facilities.
The increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlights the urgent need for specialized training for healthcare professionals to improve access to necessary services. The global prevalence of ASD is estimated to be approximately 1 in 100 children, or about 1%, according to recent studies.
The increasing identification of ASD cases necessitates that healthcare providers are well-equipped to address the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support throughout their lives.
Despite the rising numbers, many healthcare professionals report feeling unprepared to meet the needs of patients with autism. Studies indicate that inadequate training can lead to misdiagnoses, insufficient treatment plans, and a lack of understanding of the specific healthcare needs associated with ASD. In addition, recent studies show that people with ASD use emergency department services more often, because they use less preventive healthcare services. The healthcare system is often inflexible to respond to the specifics in the treatment of patients with ASD, although patients present for treatment for somatic diseases and conditions, common to all people, and not something closely related to ASD. Other reports suggest that people with ASD die on average 12 years earlier than the general population (Westminster Commission on Autism, 2016). This figure is even higher for those who have an additional disability (Mencap, 2018; Mencap, 2012). As a result, some people with ASD can become isolated and choose not to access certain healthcare environments because they find them too disturbing or distressing.
By implementing comprehensive training programs focused on autism awareness and intervention strategies, healthcare providers can enhance their ability to deliver effective care. This not only benefits individuals with ASD but also promotes a more inclusive healthcare environment where all patients feel understood and supported. Therefore, developing targeted training initiatives is essential for bridging the gap in healthcare access for those with autism and ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve. Project HeAlth: Improving access to health care services for people with autism is dedicated to increase the efficiency of the health system, lower costs of treatment, but also a reduction of anxiety in both healthcare providers and patients with ASD, in situations which require medical treatment. The topics in this handbook are a result of an extensive experience of project partners and a research which was conducted in the first phase of the project. The research included healthcare professionals, autistic individuals and family members from Spain, Cyprus, Serbia and North Macedonia. This handbook is the forerunner of a comprehensive training program that is available at the project platform and a summary of all key topics covered by the training program.
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