Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. One in every 100 people in the UK suffers from Autism and depression, diagnosed more often in boys than girls. Research has shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of ASD. However, environmental factors, including socio-economic status, also play a significant role.
The incidence of Autism NHS is not evenly distributed across different communities in the UK. Studies have shown that Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities have lower rates of diagnosis. They even have fewer opportunities for support and intervention. This disparity in healthcare outcomes is concerning. Early intervention is crucial for improving the long-term outcomes for individuals with ASD.
Addressing similar concerns, Nurse N’zi, shared valuable insights based on her personal experiences at our recently launched Mylocum Healthcare Summit, ‘Trust Me, I work in the NHS’.
She said, ‘The reason I chose to speak about autism is because it’s very close to my heart. I am an Autism Advocate and do a lot of research on the diagnostic process of autism within the UK. My journey with autism started when my son got diagnosed with autism when he was eight. As a black African, it was difficult to find support that met our needs.’
In this blog, we will discuss the potential reasons for the said disparity and ways to address them effectively.
Reasons for Disparity in Healthcare Outcomes: Autism NHS
There are several reasons for this disparity in healthcare outcomes:
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Lack of awareness and understanding of ASD within BAME communities.
There is a lack of awareness and understanding of ASD that can lead to a delay in seeking help. This harms the individual’s development and prospects. There is a lack of culturally appropriate resources for BAME communities. This can lead to a reluctance to seek help or a lack of trust in healthcare providers.
Regarding the disparity, N’zi said, ‘A study conducted in 2014 revealed that there is a lack of research on autism for the blackened Asian and minority ethnic groups. It found that there were challenges around the diagnosis of some people and barriers to accessing support. The research that I did looked into whether support services are available for people with Autism. And there were floodgates of services within communities locally and nationally that include names like the National Autistic Society. However, the difficulty is that with the black and Asian minority ethnic groups, there’s a language challenge.’
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Language barriers.
Language can also be a significant barrier to accessing appropriate healthcare. Some BAME communities may not have English as their first language. This makes it difficult to communicate with healthcare providers and access appropriate services. This can result in miscommunication, and a lack of understanding of the condition, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
While quoting an example, N’zi said, ‘some people speak French. There’s not a great amount of support available in French or other languages. It shows that there is a big problem when it comes to autism and the BAME groups.’
Addressing Disparities in Healthcare Outcomes
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Improving awareness and understanding of ASD within BAME communities.
N’zi mentioned her struggle and shared, ‘As a black mum to a child with autism, I can tell that it has been painfully difficult to get support. Not because I don’t speak English. I’m educated to the point where I can get resources. The difficulty that I’ve been having is getting the most appropriate support.’
To address these disparities in healthcare outcomes, it is crucial to improve awareness and understanding of ASD within BAME communities. This can be done through targeted outreach and education programs that are culturally sensitive. These programs should be designed in collaboration with BAME communities to ensure they are culturally appropriate and effective.
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Providing culturally appropriate resources and services.
It is also essential to provide culturally appropriate resources and services accessible to BAME communities. This can include providing –
- Translation services
- Support in different languages, and
- Culturally sensitive resources and materials that are tailored to the specific needs of different communities.
To highlight the importance of this concern, N’zi mentioned, ‘There’s a vast load of resources that are available. Including National Autistic Society, support groups and more. The question is how do we make those resources available to all different types of people? Is it a thing of getting translated documents or making our website multilingual? If someone is seeking information, they can change the language of the website into a language they are familiar with. Or there are a lot of questions that are raised within this topic. I think the main thing to understand is that everyone experiences things differently. The key thing is to bring awareness to these issues so something can be done about them.’
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Training healthcare providers to be culturally competent.
Healthcare providers also need to be trained to be culturally competent and aware of the specific needs of different communities. This includes understanding cultural differences in communication styles, beliefs, and attitudes towards healthcare. Healthcare providers should be trained to recognise the signs of ASD in individuals from different cultural backgrounds. They should be able to provide appropriate support and interventions.
In conclusion, addressing the disparities in healthcare outcomes for BAME communities with ASD is a complex issue. It requires a multi-faceted approach within Autism NHS.
There is a need to improve awareness and understanding of ASD within these communities. Provide culturally appropriate resources and service. Along with the training of healthcare providers to be culturally competent to ensure mitigating these disparities. Improving the long-term outcomes for individuals with ASD has to be the ultimate goal. By working together with BAME communities, we can ensure everyone has access to the support and interventions they need.
We have to educate ourselves about the world around us. There is a need to ensure that we keep up with policies around autism, learning disabilities, and mental health. It is essential to start combating and creating awareness for issues like Autism in our community, especially as Healthcare professionals.
FAQs
1.When autism gets worse?
There is no “worsening” of autism in the traditional sense. However, some people with autism may experience challenges or difficulties that can become more apparent or pronounced at different points. Some individuals may struggle with changes in routine or transitions. These challenges may become more pronounced during stress or significant life changes. Such as moving to a new home or job.
For example, some individuals with autism may struggle with changes in routine or transitions. These challenges may become more pronounced during periods of stress or significant life changes. Such as moving to a new home or starting a new job.
2. Can autism be cured?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way a person perceives the world and interacts with others. It is a lifelong condition, and while there are interventions and therapies that can help individuals with autism. Who manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, there is no cure for autism.
3. Are autism and ADHD related?
Autism NHS and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are two separate conditions, but they can co-occur in some individuals. Research has shown that there is a higher likelihood of individuals with autism. Also having symptoms of ADHD, and vice versa which is compared to the general population.
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