This Autism Awareness Day (Saturday 2 April), we’re shining a light on the help and support available to our patients with autism in our hospitals, to make sure they get safe and equitable care.

Coming into a hospital, which can be a loud and busy environment, can be a difficult experience for someone with autism. That’s why we make reasonable adjustments, so our autistic patients as well as their families and carers can have a more comfortable visit to our hospitals.

We have our autism passport, which is given to patients and their family or carers when they come in. The autism passport helps our medical teams understand your health needs and your likes and dislikes.

Our Learning Disabilities and Autism team is available before, during, and after your visit to our hospitals. They can help you understand your care and treatment, and ensure our staff are aware of your needs.

The team also ensures reasonable adjustments and adaptions are made to make your time in our hospitals much easier.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, and we recognise that each person with autism has different needs. Our Learning Disabilities and Autism team will help make sure that yours are met.

Our staff can refer patients to the team, or you can refer yourself by calling them on 01708 435 000 and entering the extension 5719 when prompted, or you can email them.

Find out more about the help for people with learning disabilities and autism on our website.