Overview
GP visits are the gateway to most health support. Small adjustments make a huge difference.
Key points to understand
- Most GP surgeries allow online booking, eConsult and email.
- Reasonable adjustments include first/last appointment, double slots, quiet waiting area, written summary.
- Continuity of GP improves outcomes — request the same GP where possible.
- Care navigators can help with non-medical needs.
Practical strategies that help
- Register on the surgery's autism register.
- Email reasonable adjustments to reception in advance.
- Bring written notes of symptoms and questions.
- Ask for a written summary at the end of the appointment.
Common challenges to be aware of
- Avoid telephone triage where possible — written triage suits many autistic people better.
- Make a complaint in writing if adjustments are refused.
How Bright Steps can help
Bright Steps brings together autistic people, families, carers and professionals across the UK. You can use the Community to talk to others who get it, save articles and activities to your Library, and explore Resources built for everyday life. Our Routines and Reward Charts turn ideas from this article into things you can try today.
💡 Tip: Bookmark this article using the Save button at the top so you can come back to it. Everything you save lives in your personal library under Saved.
References & further reading
✏️ This article will be expanded with rich, UK-specific content, case studies, video explainers and downloadable resources. If you'd like to contribute a story or suggest a correction, contact the Bright Steps editors via the Community page.