I know I’m not alone in this, but if you’re wondering why a medical student, soon to join the NHS workforce, feels reluctant to use healthcare services herself - here’s why:
While I could blame it on executive dysfunction - struggling to organise myself and figure out if I’ll even be free for an appointment three weeks from now - or the anxiety of calling a GP practice after days of overthinking, only to be met with a cold, questioning receptionist, those are surface-level barriers.
The real reason runs deeper.
Every time I disclose my autism diagnosis, I’m met with responses like:
🗣️“What does that really mean - you’re autistic? How?”
🗣️“But it doesn’t really affect you, does it?”
🗣️”But it’s just a little… right?”
🗣️“Who says this? I can’t see anything on your record.”
Despite informing the practice multiple times, I’m forced to repeatedly validate my diagnosis, my experiences, and even my need for care to strangers who question my reality.
When I’m at my most vulnerable, when I’ve finally mustered the courage to reach out for help, the emotional exhaustion of justifying myself makes it unbearable. I already spend so much energy navigating a world that isn’t designed for people like me. In those moments, I simply can’t fight that battle again.
This isn’t just about me. It’s about the systemic barriers faced by countless individuals who feel unseen, unheard, or invalidated in healthcare settings. As someone training to join this system, it breaks my heart to know I’m not alone in this experience.
We talk about inclusivity in healthcare, but true inclusivity means more than policies, it’s about attitudes, awareness, and understanding. It’s about creating a space where patients feel safe to share their truths without fear of dismissal.
So, I ask:
💭Are we doing enough to make healthcare accessible to everyone, including neurodivergent individuals?
💭How can we better educate healthcare professionals to approach patients with empathy and understanding, especially when their experiences fall outside the “norm”?
This post isn’t meant to be a critique of individuals but a call for reflection and action. As a future doctor, I hope to be part of the change, but that change requires a collective effort.
#BehindTheSmiles #Autism #AutisticPatient #Neurodiversity #NeurodiversityInHealthcare #NHS #InclusivityInHealthcare