RCGP provides resources to improve GP services for people with autism

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has provided new resources to GP surgeries to help make them more welcoming to people with autism spectrum disorders.

Resource packs to support GPs and their teams to make their surgeries more visibly friendly for patients with autism have been sent to every practice in England this week. This comes as part of its efforts to meet commitments set out in its RCGP Autism Patient Charter.

The resources include a guide for patients on the autistic spectrum to help them get the most out of their GP visit, as well as guidance for GPs to support effective consultations with patients affected by such conditions.
 
To develop the pack, the college collaborated with Autism Alliance UK and Research Autism and drew upon information from Newcastle University about two national autistic spectrum disorders research projects. 

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the RCGP, said: "I'm proud that the college is leading the way in taking steps to ensure our patients on the autistic spectrum receive the best possible specific care they need."

RCGP faculties have also been hosting a series of autism awareness workshops this month to further bolster this goal.