Barriers and Facilitators of Healthcare Access for Autistic Children in the UK: a Systematic Review, (2024). Babalola, T., Sanguedolce, G., Dipper, L. et al.

Open access article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-023-00420-3

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.

Citation: Babalola, T., Sanguedolce, G., Dipper, L. et al. Barriers and Facilitators of
Healthcare Access for Autistic Children in the UK: a Systematic Review. Rev J
Autism Dev Disord (2024).