Rates of autism diagnosis have increased over the past 20 years,1 reflecting increased awareness and recognition both by patients and by GPs. Indeed, many GPs are discovering autistic traits in themselves2 mirroring the shift towards increased diagnosis among those without co-occurring intellectual disability. While a fall in referrals for autism assessment occurred early in the pandemic, high profile celebrity revelations, media coverage, and perhaps the pandemic itself, continue to track with climbing numbers of referrals (Table 1).3 In fact, the number of referrals in the first quarter of 2021/2022 were more than double that of the corresponding period in 2019/2020.
- In this window
- In a new window
Summary of Autism Statistics Quarter 1 (April to June) 2019–20 to Quarter 1 (April to June) 2021–2022 3
As we discover more autistic people in our practices, how do we shape general practice to support this population?
AUTISTIC HEALTH CARE — BEYOND DIAGNOSIS
The needs of autistic patients do not end at diagnosis. Links between autism and poor health outcomes are well known. Higher rates of both physical …
RCGP login
Members, please Login at RCGP to access the journal online
Subscriber login
Enter your BJGP login information below.
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Pay Per Article - You may access this article (from the computer you are currently using) for 1 day for US$35.00
Regain Access - You can regain access to a recent Pay per Article purchase if your access period has not yet expired.
In this issue
Jump to section
More in this TOC Section
Related Articles
Cited By...
