- Many autistic adults avoid doctors and dentists because visits are loud, rushed, and confusing. That makes small problems bigger.
- You can ask for changes, like a quiet place to wait or questions in writing. These are reasonable requests.
- A short card that explains what helps you does the talking for you. Build one below.
- You can bring someone with you, or bring notes and read from them.
- Pain can look different in autistic people. It is fine to say so.
Before the visit
- Write your main question first. One sentence at the top of your notes, so it gets answered even if the visit runs short.
- Ask for the first or last slot. Waiting rooms are usually quieter, and the doctor is less likely to be running late.
- Send your card ahead. Many offices let you message through a patient portal. Paste your card there before the visit.
- Pack your kit. Headphones, sunglasses, something to fidget with, water, and a snack.
Your doctor card
Tap the sentences that are true for you. Copy the card into a patient portal message, print it, or show it on your phone. It saves to My kit on this device only.
During the visit
Read from your notes
It's normal and helpful. Doctors would rather hear everything than guess.
Ask them to write it down
"Can you write that down for me?" is a reasonable request at any point.
Ask for a pause
"I need a minute" is enough. You don't have to explain why.
More free help
The AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit was designed with autistic adults and researchers. It includes worksheets and a tool that creates a detailed healthcare accommodations report. It's free.
Where this comes from
- AASPIRE (Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education), Healthcare Toolkit for autistic adults, hosted by the Organization for Autism Research.
- Common healthcare accommodations described by autistic adults in AASPIRE's research.
Information, not medical advice.