Autistic Health: Improving Access to Healthcare

Learn more about the physical and mental health of autistic people

On this four-week course, you’ll learn about the many co-existing conditions that are common in autistic people. You’ll explore how these interact with autistic differences and what impact they have on physical and mental wellbeing.

You’ll also examine the interconnection between autistic experiences and mental health, and learn how masking and trauma affect access to healthcare.

Understand the role of intersectionality in autistic wellbeing

As you delve into different areas of intersectionality, you’ll learn more about the multi-faceted discrimination often experienced by autistic people.

You’ll also develop your knowledge of the many barriers autistic people face when trying to access healthcare. You’ll hear about the importance of taking a more holistic view of autistic wellbeing, which goes beyond physical and mental health to consider all aspects of a person’s life.

Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll reflect on potential ways of improving access to healthcare and quality of life for autistic people.

Learn from experts at the University of Kent

Over the four weeks, your learning will be guided by autistic and non-autistic academics at the University of Kent, who’ll share their expertise on the experience of autistic people in the healthcare system.

By the end of the course, you’ll have gained an understanding of the barriers autistic people face in accessing healthcare, and the skills you need to help improve their quality of life.

This course is designed for anyone interested in improving access to healthcare for autistic people.

It will be particularly valuable for autistic people, their family members, or professionals working in health or social care.

This course is designed for anyone interested in improving access to healthcare for autistic people.

It will be particularly valuable for autistic people, their family members, or professionals working in health or social care.

• Describe how different co-occurring conditions interact with autistic differences and the impact this has on wellbeing
• Discuss autistic mental health and how masking and trauma affect access to healthcare
• Develop your knowledge of the barriers to healthcare for autistic people
• Explain why it is important to consider a holistic view of autistic well-being that goes beyond physical and mental health.
• Explore the role different types of intersectionality may play in access to healthcare
• Contribute to improving healthcare accessibility for autistic people to create a better quality of life