GGC - Meeting the needs of Autistic People
Sensory sensitivities are common to almost all autistic people but the type of and degree to which people experience these varies. Hypo or hyper-reactivity to any sensory stimuli is possible and can vary contextually.
Autistic SPACE Framework
Warning
The variability in the experiences of Autistic people can make it difficult to create a standardised approach to patient care. The Autistic SPACE framework has been developed to encompass the breadth of autistic experience and healthcare access needs:
Access to healthcare is best maximised for Autistic people when the environment and context is made as known and predictable as possible. Sudden or unplanned change is particularly difficult.
It is important to have a holistic approach, in which Autistic characteristics are understood and accepted.
Autistic people communicate differently. Many use fluent speech, but may experience challenges with verbal communication at times of stress or sensory overload. Others may be non/minimally speaking and use augmentative and alternative communication methods, including visual cards, writing or electronic devices.
Autistic people do not lack empathy but it may be experienced or expressed differently from people who are not Autistic.
Autistic people may need more physical space. Proximity to others, particularly within touching distance, is often difficult to tolerate.
Identifying, processing and managing emotions can be challenging, particularly when Autistic ways of expressing emotions are not understood. Sensory overload or overwhelming emotions may lead to Autistic meltdown or shutdown. Considering this will minimise risks, but if it occurs, the best approach is often to allow space to recover.
Understanding that Autistic people may need additional time to process new information or unexpected changes when compared to non-Autistic people is invaluable in improving the accessibility of healthcare.