Skip to content

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.
1.How do you feel about going for a doctor's appointment? Tick the answer that best describes your feelings.
2.Do you find it difficult to book an appointment at the doctors? (for example, having to use the telephone)
3.Do you need to have someone else to speak on your behalf (on the phone or in person)?
4.If someone else does support you or speak on your behalf, was this difficult to arrange? And does the surgery always respect it?
5.Which, if any, of the following cause you problems in the waiting area?
6.If the doctor is running late, does this cause you problems?
7.Do you always see the same doctor, or the doctor you expected when booking the appointment?
8.How well do you feel your GP(s) understands autism and how it affects you?
9.Have your health concerns ever been dismissed as part of autism or anxiety?
10.Do you get told you're too sensitive or under-sensitive to pain?
11.Do you have difficulty describing the pain to others?
12.Are there any types of examinations or tests that you physically don't like?
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?)
14.After an appointment, do you find it difficult to get a prescription or follow instructions on how to take it?
15.Do you get reasonable accommodations at the GP surgery?
16.What adjustments would you ask for if you could? (eg longer appointments, quiet waiting area)
17.If there is anything else you would like to raise or add, please do so here.
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.
Current Progress,
0 of 18 answered