Adapting communication with autistic service users: Co-produced adaptations for medical services, employers, and the third sector

Autistic people have a greater need to access services (e.g., health and social care, welfare, justice, etc.), yet face significant disadvantages when doing so, often due to poor two-way communication between service providers and service users. This study aimed to co-develop practical, evidence-based adaptations to facilitate communication between service providers and autistic people. Based on a review of current research evidence, an initial list of adaptations was developed, across four categories: (1) adapting the environment to reduce sensory stressors, (2) facilitating diagnosis disclosure, (3) adapting direct communication, and (4) modifying visual or written information. Second, we co-delivered (with autistic people) a workshop for service providers, tailoring these adaptations to their sectors. Finally, a large survey sample of autistic people and the autism community evaluated these adaptations and added their own suggestions. Workshop attendees’ autism knowledge and confidence in communicating with autistic people significantly improved post-workshop, and they went on to implement the evidence-based adaptations. The autism community endorsed the adaptations and suggested some additional adaptations that they would like. Findings demonstrate that providing evidence-based adaptations in a workshop co-delivered with autistic people improves service provider autism knowledge and confidence in communicating with autistic people, and encourages them to offer adaptations.