Autism and GP surgeries

We are from the North East Autism Society and we are making a series of documentary films about the hidden barriers that neurodivergent people can face in everyday life.

We are currently working on a film about doctors' surgeries, the challenges they can pose for autistic patients, and the support they can offer.

Our questionnaire asks 16 questions about your experiences at the doctors, good and bad. It will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your answers will help us better understand the issues and explain them to doctors and NHS bosses.

Your answers will be anonymous, but if you would like to be interviewed for the film, please leave your contacts details at the end of the survey.

You can find out more about the Hidden Barriers films here.

Question Title

* 1. How do you feel about going for a doctor's appointment? Tick the answer that best describes your feelings.

It doesn't worry me.

I'd rather not go, but I just get on with it.

I don't like going and I worry about it a lot beforehand.

I avoid it if I possibly can.

I just don't go.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. Do you find it difficult to book an appointment at the doctors? (for example, having to use the telephone)

Yes

Sometimes

Never

If yes, or sometimes, can you explain what the difficulties are?

Question Title

* 3. Do you need to have someone else to speak on your behalf (on the phone or in person)?

Yes

Question Title

* 4. If someone else does support you or speak on your behalf, was this difficult to arrange? And does the surgery always respect it?

Yes

Other

If you answered "no" or "other", could you give more details?

Question Title

* 5. Which, if any, of the following cause you problems in the waiting area?

Noise, e.g. music, conversations

Lights

Temperature

Crowds

Knowing when it's your turn to go in

None of the above

Other (please specify), or give more details about anything you've ticked above

Question Title

* 6. If the doctor is running late, does this cause you problems?

Yes

If "yes", can you give more details?

Question Title

* 7. Do you always see the same doctor, or the doctor you expected when booking the appointment?

Yes

If "no", does this cause you any problems?

Question Title

* 8. How well do you feel your GP(s) understands autism and how it affects you?

Question Title

* 9. Have your health concerns ever been dismissed as part of autism or anxiety?

Yes

If "yes", please explain.

Question Title

* 10. Do you get told you're too sensitive or under-sensitive to pain?

Yes

If yes, please explain a little more.

Question Title

* 11. Do you have difficulty describing the pain to others?

Yes

If yes, please give more details

Question Title

* 12. Are there any types of examinations or tests that you physically don't like?

Yes

If "yes", please specify and explain why they cause you problems.

Question Title

* 13. Do you find it difficult to process what the GP is asking or telling you? (Or if they give you a questionnaire, what it is asking?)

Yes

If yes, please explain.

Question Title

* 14. After an appointment, do you find it difficult to get a prescription or follow instructions on how to take it?

Yes

If yes, please give more details.

Question Title

* 15. Do you get reasonable accommodations at the GP surgery?

Yes, I was aware they offered adjustments and I asked for them

Yes, the surgery offered me adjustments

No, I asked for adjustments but they refused

No, I asked for adjustments but they aren't always implemented

No, I wasn't aware they offered adjustments or that I could ask for them

Please give further details if relevant.

Question Title

* 16. What adjustments would you ask for if you could? (eg longer appointments, quiet waiting area)

Question Title

* 17. If there is anything else you would like to raise or add, please do so here.

Question Title

* 18. If you would like to be interviewed for the film Hidden Barriers: Autism and GPs, please leave your name and email address and/or telephone number here so we can get in touch with you.