The House of Lords Select Committee report highlighted serious and ongoing failures in how the health system supports autistic people. Autistic individuals continue to experience major health inequalities and gaps in care. In some cases, people are refused access to mental health services solely because they are autistic — an injustice the Committee suggested may amount to unlawful discrimination.
Without appropriate support, difficulties that could be managed early often escalate into crisis. The report found that autistic people are still being inappropriately detained in mental health hospitals and, on average, experience poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancy than the general population. The conclusion was clear: current approaches are not working.
The Government’s response in January 2026 acknowledged these shortcomings and committed to considering autistic health outcomes within the next autism strategy. It also referenced existing initiatives, including the rollout of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism for health and care staff, alongside pilot programmes for annual health checks for autistic adults.
However, meaningful system-wide change takes time — and autistic people need better support now. The following actions outline practical steps healthcare organisations can take to move towards a more coordinated, autism-inclusive approach.
Mandatory Autism Training Across the Workforce
Training saves lives. Every role within healthcare — including GPs, nurses, allied professionals, administrative staff, and reception teams — should receive autism training that goes beyond basic awareness.
Programmes such as the Oliver McGowan training help staff understand how autistic people may experience pain, distress, communication, and sensory environments differently. They also provide practical guidance on adapting care appropriately.
The Committee recommended that all health and care professionals who may work with autistic people complete autism training to at least an intermediate (Tier 2) level. Ensuring staff receive this training — and regular refreshers — improves interactions, reduces harm, and builds trust. Many autistic people describe feeling ignored or misunderstood in medical settings. Education is one of the most direct ways to change that.
Create Sensory-Aware and Accessible Healthcare Settings
Clinical environments can be overwhelming. Bright lighting, background noise, crowded waiting rooms, and unpredictable delays can cause significant distress for autistic patients.
Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Examples include providing quieter waiting areas, allowing patients to wait outside until called, or permitting the use of headphones or tinted glasses. Clear explanations of what will happen during an appointment or procedure — ideally shared in advance through written or visual formats — help reduce anxiety.
Using plain, literal language and checking understanding is also important, as some autistic people interpret medical information very literally. Where consent is given, recording autism status in patient records helps ensure reasonable adjustments are applied consistently. These steps reduce the risk of healthcare itself becoming traumatic.
Strengthen Diagnosis Pathways and Early Support
Long waits for autism assessment remain a major barrier to care. Many people wait years without diagnosis or support, during which difficulties often intensify.
Health services can take action now by adopting more flexible models. This might include stepped assessment pathways, early screening, or initial multidisciplinary evaluations to identify support needs without waiting for full diagnosis. Importantly, access to support should not be contingent on a formal diagnosis alone.
If someone presents with clear autistic traits and related difficulties — such as anxiety, sensory distress, or executive function challenges — reasonable adjustments and referrals should be offered immediately. Local services can also partner with charities, provide interim support groups, or expand telehealth provision. No one should be left without help while waiting for paperwork.
Proactive Primary Care and Annual Health Checks
Autistic adults benefit from proactive, preventative healthcare. Research trials led by Newcastle University and funded by Autistica have shown that autism-specific health checks in primary care are both effective and clinically valuable.
Regular health checks allow GPs to identify physical and mental health concerns early and build rapport over time. Longer appointment slots, clear communication, and autism-informed questioning can significantly improve outcomes.
Person-centred care is essential. Some autistic people may not express pain in expected ways or may struggle to articulate symptoms verbally. Taking time to understand individual communication styles is a core clinical skill, not an optional extra.
Integrated Services and a “No Wrong Door” Approach
Autistic people often require support across multiple services, including physical health, mental health, social care, and specialist neurodevelopmental teams. When these services operate in isolation, people fall through the gaps.
Integrated Care Boards and healthcare leaders should develop shared protocols so autistic people are not repeatedly redirected between services. A single point of contact or coordinated pathway can prevent unnecessary escalation and distress.
Transitions matter too. When autistic patients leave hospital or specialist care, clear links to community support — such as charities, peer groups, or family services — should be in place. Health services also play a role in wider systems, contributing to Education, Health and Care Plans and advising employers on reasonable adjustments. Joined-up care supports people across their lifespan, not just in crisis.
Centre Autistic Voices and Improve Accountability
Services work best when autistic people are involved in shaping them. Healthcare providers should actively include autistic adults and families in service design through advisory groups or co-production initiatives.
Autistic insight often highlights practical improvements, such as offering appointment reminders by text or email instead of phone calls, or allowing a support person to attend appointments. Feedback mechanisms must also be accessible, offering written and online options rather than relying solely on telephone complaints.
The Committee emphasised the need for clearer escalation routes and stronger accountability. Complaints and concerns should be treated as opportunities to improve care, with transparent reporting on changes made in response to feedback. Trust grows when services show they listen — and act.
Moving Forward
Healthcare systems must become more responsive and inclusive. Lives depend on it. Addressing health inequalities for autistic people is inseparable from improving education, employment, and community support.
The Autism Act 2009 set out an ambition to improve outcomes for autistic people, and the House of Lords report confirms that significant work remains. Progress does not need to wait for new national directives. Change can begin now — in clinics, hospitals, and local services.
By acting early and collaboratively, healthcare providers can build systems that genuinely work for autistic people, supporting them at every stage of life.
If you want support in getting these changes right, let’s talk.