The
Autistic 
Communication Tool
Although autistic people face the same preventable health problems that affect the general population, they can experience worse outcomes because they are less likely to approach healthcare services or have successful interactions with them.
Communication difficulties during consultations are a major contributing factor to the health inequalities experienced by autistic patients.
To help facilitate better communication, the Autistic Communication Tool (A.C.T.) was developed by autistic people, for autistic people.
–––– About Us
What is the Autistic Communication Tool (A.C.T.)?
The Autistic Communication Tool (A.C.T.) is a simple, patient-owned communication aid designed to support autistic individuals during primary care consultations. It was developed in response to widespread challenges autistic people face when accessing healthcare, particularly difficulties with communication, sensory overload, anxiety, and being misunderstood by clinicians.
The main aims of the A.C.T. are:
Alert healthcare professionals to patient's neurodivergence.
Help autistic patients prepare for a consultation and consider how to describe their symptoms ahead of time.
Provide key information that will alert healthcare professionals to make reasonable adjustments to the consultation.
Assist healthcare professionals in asking appropriate questions that target the reason for the consultation.
Key Features of the A.C.T.
• Used before the appointment: The tool is completed by the patient in advance, in a calm environment, allowing time to prepare thoughts without pressure.
o It captures essential information:
o It states the reason for the visit
o It provides space to highlight specific concerns or symptoms
o It provides space to highlight a patient's communication or sensory needs
