Staying healthy with Autism guide

Why do we need health care?

Health care professionals help recognise and diagnose us with any health problems we may be facing.
They are trained medical staff who can provide treatment and advice or refer you to hospital.

It can be difficult for us to notice illnesses within ourselves, and this could lead to us becoming severely unwell and cause many risks.

It is super important to visit health care professionals for different tests to decide what treatment is needed and to prevent health issues getting worse.

We understand contacting your GP can be challenging, as is attending the appointment, but do not worry, we can help.

Different ways to access health care

If you are autistic you can ask for help at your GP practice. This could be:

Additional help

• Ask what is available to help you book an appointment such as written requests or apps on your phone
• You can tell health care professionals that you are autistic
• You can ask for a longer appointment (such as a double appointment, if that is available)
• You can ask your health care professional to explain what may happen if you need treatment
• You can ask the staff in the surgery to add a note to your GP computer record to let people know you have autism
• You can ask for sensory friendly waiting rooms (such as areas that avoid loud noises, bright lights etc)
• You can ask that your letters are sent in an easy to read format.

Questions you can ask at your appointment

• What is this medication for?
• Do I need a follow up appointment?
• Can you explain that again?
• Are you able to demonstrate that?
• Can I bring someone with me?
• Where can I access more information?
• How or when do I get my results?
• Who do I contact if my symptoms worsen?
• Can you write that down for me?

NHS Health Check

If you are aged 40 to 74 without a pre-existing medical condition that your GP knows about, you will receive a letter inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every five years.

The check up screens for heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes and involves a few questions and measurements, including a simple blood test, to check
your cholesterol.

Screening and earlier diagnosis

NHS cancer screening programmes can help to diagnose cancer or risk of cancer earlier and improve the likelihood of successful treatment. There are three national cancer screening programmes in England.

• Cervical screening - is offered to people with a cervix aged from 25 to 64. Routine screening is offered every three years up to 49 years of age and every five years from 50 to 64 years of age
• Breast screening - offered to women aged 50 to their 71st birthday in England
• Bowel screening - is offered every two years between ages 50 to 74.

If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test. Screening tests can detect a problem early before you have any symptoms. Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective. For more information on screening speak to your GP or look on the NHS website. 

For more information

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk