What's an Autism-Competent Office?

Environments with tight spaces, and lots of noise and/or people are challenging for all patients, but especially those with the sensory issues that come with being autistic.

Some of the physical characteristics of an autism-competent clinical office or hospital include:

• Fewer bright lights

• A neat, orderly appearance, without too many magazines, video screens, or decorations

• Quiet music and overhead sounds or none at all

• Fewer smells from cleaning products or disinfectants

• Calm neutral colors, keeping any areas of bright color to a minimum

• Easy access to electrical outlets for keeping devices charged

• Socially distanced seating

• A quiet room or space separate from the waiting area

An autism-competent office or hospital offers more than one way to communicate between patients and staff. These may include:

• Email

• Online scheduling and access to medical records (also known as patient portals)

• Texting

• Phone calls and voicemail

• A tablet or communication board for use during an appointment

Our Clinician Course, Clinical Care for Autistic Adults, gives healthcare providers advice on how to create autism-competent spaces and train clinical staff to better serve the needs of autistic patients. The downloadable tip sheet can help patients to advocate for autism-competent care while directing clinicians on how to best provide that care.

An innovative example of autism-competent, neurodiverse healthcare can be found at All Brains Belong, a medical practice that takes a “whole life” approach.