Barriers to Healthcare for Persons with Autism: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Development of A Taxonomy

Abstract

Purpose: This review aimed to 1) synthesize extant research on barriers to healthcare access experienced by persons with autism, their caregivers, and health-care providers; and 2) present a taxonomy of barriers to physical healthcare for individuals with autism.Method: Systematic searches were conducted in five electronic databases. Methodological rigor was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. Thematic analysis was used to classify barriers and to develop a taxonomy.Results: In total, 31 articles were included in the review. The resulting taxonomy consisted of four themes: 1) Challenges Associated with Autism-related Characteristics; 2) Health-care Provider-based Issues; 3) Healthcare System Issues; and 4) Patient-related factors.Conclusions: Barriers to healthcare access for persons with autism are prevalent and occur at the patient, provider, and system levels. The taxonomy developed may facilitate measurement of barriers within health-care facilities and prompt identification of areas where interventions are warranted to improve care.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Barriers; Health; Healthcare Access; Reasonable Adjustments; Systematic Review.