Barriers to accessing healthcare systems faced by individuals with autism – a study across four European countries

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Individuals with autism face significant healthcare barriers due to communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and a lack of specialized training among providers, while systemic issues like inadequate infrastructure and limited support further hinder access. This study aims to identify barriers to quality and timely healthcare for individuals with autism in four European countries.

Methods Two subsamples were created: one of family members (138 participants) and another of healthcare workers (237 participants). Data were collected online from North Macedonia, Serbia, Cyprus, and Spain.

Results Significant differences were found between countries regarding healthcare barriers. Participants from Serbia and North Macedonia reported greater issues with system integration, limited consultation time, and insufficient support compared with those from Cyprus, while Spanish participants rated phone appointment scheduling as a more significant barrier than those from Cyprus. About one-third of healthcare workers felt comfortable treating patients with autism, with Cypriot participants being more at ease with communication and those from North Macedonia being more comfortable administering and monitoring medications. Spanish healthcare workers perceived communication difficulties, sensory processing issues, and anxiety in patients with autism as greater obstacles than did those from other countries, while they also rated insufficient training as a more significant barrier than those from Cyprus.

Conclusion This study highlights the need for autism-specific accommodations, comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, and policy reforms to improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes for individuals with autism.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; healthcare services; training