Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Experience, and Training in Caring for Autistic Adults: A Systematic review

Fiona Rigney
SETU Waterford
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5636-8974 (unauthenticated)

Sharon Kinsella
South East Technological University Carlow
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9051-4467 (unauthenticated)

Mary Moylan
South East Technological University Waterford
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0235-9749 (unauthenticated)

Zeta Dooly
South East Technological University Waterford
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6777-9862 (unauthenticated)

Mary Doherty
University College Dublin
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6995-3745 (unauthenticated)

Nicole Rinehart
Monash University
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6109-3958 (unauthenticated)
Martina Gooney
South East Technological University Waterford
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1499-3472 (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.224

Abstract

Introduction: Autistic adults experience high rates of co-occurring physical and mental health conditions and often face unmet needs in all healthcare settings due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and atypical presentations. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a central role in addressing these needs; however, evidence suggests there are significant gaps in autism-specific knowledge and training.
Aim: Examine HCPs knowledge, experience, and training related to caring for autistic adults.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were retrieved from five databases (Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Medline and Web of Science). Nineteen studies were included in the final analysis.
Results: Findings across studies indicated that HCPs possess limited and inconsistent autism-specific knowledge, and have common deficits, with notable gaps in communication, recognition of autistic adults, and management of sensory and co-occurring health needs. Clinical experience caring for autistic adults was variable and often limited. Autism-specific training was inconsistent and typically brief, with between one-third and three-quarters of HCPs reporting unmet training needs.
Conclusion: This review highlighted substantial gaps in HCPs’ autism-specific knowledge, training, and experience, contributing to barriers in healthcare for autistic adults Findings highlight a clear need for standardised, evidence-based autism education across undergraduate training and continuing professional development. Future work is needed to establish coherent structured curricula with the meaningful involvement of autistic adults in the design and delivery of training and education to support person-centred healthcare.

Keywords: Autistic adults, healthcare professionals, knowledge, training, experience

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