An awareness of learning disability and autism

A condition that includes symptoms such as being restless and having trouble concentrating.

A mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

A condition that exists when your brain has trouble processing certain sensory signals. As a result, you may become hypersensitive or even hyposensitive to them.

A condition that specifically affects a person's ability to understand numbers and math.

A condition that specifically affects a person's ability to understand letters, words and language.

Individuals with Autism may find it challenging to navigate unfamiliar environments, such as hospitals or clinics, which can increase their anxiety, especially if they have sensitivities to factors such as light or sound.

Some individuals may have difficulty understanding medical terminology or complex explanations provided by healthcare professionals. This can lead to misdiagnosis, not receiving the correct support or leave the individual feeling that they have not been heard/it was a waste of time.

Difficulties with different communication types can cause misunderstandings between individuals and professionals. Individuals with learning difficulties may not understand what is being said to them and individuals with Autism may misunderstand or misread body language or phrases/sayings.

Many individuals with learning difficulties may struggle to express their symptoms or concerns effectively during appointments.

Fear of judgment or discrimination can prevent individuals with learning difficulties or Autism from seeking necessary healthcare services. They may have a fear of being stigmatised or not seen as 'normal', or they may change their symptoms to try and 'fit in'.