Many autistic people have said that they find accessing healthcare difficult. Autistic people have also said that identifying their health needs and managing appointments with professionals can also be difficult. Health checks can identify important conditions that affect health and wellbeing and are available to people through the NHS.

We co-designed a health check for autistic adults in partnership with autistic people, carers and supporters of autistic adults, and Primary Care staff. In this study, we investigated whether this health check was acceptable to autistic people and whether there is evidence that it improves health outcomes. We also evaluated whether it is feasible to deliver in the NHS.

Infographics

These infographics describing the main trial findings.  An infographic is a simple and visual way to share information.
It combines images, charts, and short explanations to help you quickly understand key points.  

Animation

We created a short animation to introduce the Health Checks for Autistic Adults study, the health checks process and benefits.  We hope this animation conveys key messages to autistic adults, carers and health professionals.
Click on the image below to watch the animation. 

Presentations

We have published two videos so you can choose whichever you'd like to watch and hear about the results.  Below this is a 15 minute summary video presentation from a conference, and a 45 minute detailed presentation about all stages of the research.

If you are interested in using our health check tools, please contact the research team – healthchecks@ncl.ac.uk

The study was led by Professor Jeremy Parr and Dr Barry Ingham alongside a consortium of autistic people, health professionals and researchers.

The trial was sponsored by Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Autistica and NHS England