Lack of understanding:
Most doctors, nurses, and therapists receive little to no formal education about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other forms of neurodivergence. This is not perhaps the individual doctor’s fault; it is in the education and workplace training. For instance, neurodiversity, autism, and learning differences may only take up a single lecture or chapter in a basic medical program. The training one receives in the healthcare system often focuses on children and stereotypes, completely ignoring how neurodivergence presents in adulthood.

Misinterpretation of symptoms

A patient who avoids eye contact might be labeled in the doctor’s notes as “uncooperative” or “anxious.” Someone who struggles to explain their pain or feelings clearly may be dismissed from their appointment and not given the treatment they need. In the doctor’s notes, this can be written down as “noncompliant.” This is not correct at all; what actually happened is that the doctor did not take the time to piece together the different parts the patient could identify.

Sensory overload can look like panic or aggression, which may be misjudged as a mental health crisis instead of a sensory-based reaction.

This misunderstanding can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and even medical trauma. When patients feel ignored or disrespected, it can also lead to these patients intentionally missing appointments due to previous healthcare interactions.

Lack of Neurodivergent Communication Awareness:

Many providers are not trained in alternative communication styles or different processing needs. The provider may rush appointments, interrupt the speaking of a slow patient, and use overly complex language that cannot be processed by a slow-processing patient. They may not recognize the fact that some people need extra time to think about the next steps of their health and are rushed to act before they can actually respond the way they need to.

Written notes and proper care instructions for a neurodivergent patient are rarely given. Instead, we receive the medical version and not a version that is well enough spelled out for us.

1.  Barriers to Access
   Sensory environments (bright lights, loud noises, long wait times) can make hospitals and clinics overwhelming for someone who has autism or is neurodivergent.

Complex forms and communication can be hard for people who struggle with executive functioning or social communication.

Insurance systems may not cover enough neuropsychological evaluations, therapy, or supports that neurodivergent people actually need.

Lack of accommodations: 

Few clinics offer things like: 

• extra processing time for questions 
• written summaries of appointments 
• Sensory-friendly spaces 
• providers that communicate in direct, clear and nonjudgmental ways.