Experiences of parents of autistic children and young people in accessing healthcare: a literature review

Autistic children and young people may be more likely than their peers to access healthcare services, but little is known about their experiences of healthcare as the literature tends to focus on the experiences of autistic adults and the views of healthcare professionals. The literature review detailed in this article aimed to gather evidence on the experiences of autistic children or young people and their parents in accessing healthcare services. Following a database search and screening, seven articles were selected for review. None of the studies captured children's experiences but the findings offer some insight into parents' views. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: importance of the healthcare professional; relationship between families and staff; impact on parents; and healthcare services and environment. These themes encompass the need for: effective relationships between staff and parents to ensure the provision of family-centred care; further education among professionals in caring for autistic children and young people to enhance their experiences of healthcare; and greater flexibility in healthcare services to accommodate the needs of autistic children and young people and their families.