Health Care and Health Equity
Health, mental health, and well-being are an essential part to living fully. The Autism Society advocates on the local, state, and federal level for individualized and equitable health care offerings for the Autism community.
Health equity is achieved when everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Healthcare inequities are seen across disability communities, including Autism, and are exaggerated by social and economic factors. These inequities can result in differences in length and quality of life, disease rates, access to treatment, disability and death.
Recent data shows the people with Autism have less access to health care, an increased risk for co-morbidities, and have more anxiety and depression, than people without disabilities. Take action to address you or your loved one’s health care needs.
Take action to support your health:
- Find a primary care doctor that you like and trust that has experience working with Autistic individuals.
- Make annual visits for checkups, and bring any questions to go over in your appointment.
- Learn more about your insurance benefits and what is covered or not covered under your plan.
Here are a few helpful tips to help stay healthy:
- Practice healthy food choices.
- Include moderate activity in routines.
- Develop a healthy sleeping habits and schedule naps as needed.
- Individuals with Autism should be their own advocate and communicate with their family or doctor about how they’re feeling.