My experience as an autistic individual, like many others within our community, is unique and special. However, it's particularly challenging with regards to accessing healthcare services, most notably, Accident and Emergency (A&E) units. For most people, visiting A&E is an uncomfortable, often overwhelming, experience. Imagine this distress magnified a hundredfold to understand what it feels like for autistic people.

Statistically, we are far from alone in this struggle. 1 in every 100 people in the UK is autistic, which amounts to over 700,000 individuals, enough to fill Manchester United's Football Stadium over seven times! (source: National Autistic Society, UK).

Despite these significant numbers, hospitals across the UK have not been designed or modified to accommodate the needs of autistic patients. This inconsideration not only makes accessing necessary care challenging but creates an additional, unnecessary burden on those already suffering.

We urge the National Health Service and other key stakeholders to make systemic changes towards universal accessibility - providing more staff training on autism, creating calm waiting areas, using clear, simple language, and implementing reduced-wait programs for patients with sensory sensitivities.

Inclusion and accessibility are a right, not a privilege. Today, we appeal to the NHS and the UK government to ensure that hospitals are genuinely safe and accessible for all, including autistic people like me. Please sign this petition to urge the NHS to provide better facilities for autistic individuals. We all deserve to feel safe and understood when in need of medical help.