Perspectives of Autistic People, Parents, and Healthcare Professionals on Communication in Healthcare Settings and Related Needs in Georgia: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE: Autistic people often experience mental and physical health challenges that require high-quality healthcare. However, several barriers hinder their access to healthcare, including difficulties communicating in healthcare settings. Communication-related barriers might differ between countries but have been mainly investigated in high income countries. Less is, therefore, known about the barriers to access to healthcare in middle-income countries such as Georgia. METHODS: In this study, we investigated challenges in communication between autistic people, parents and non-autistic healthcare professionals for the first time in Georgia. We report qualitative data from three focus groups comprising seven autistic participants (aged 13-29 years), two healthcare specialists (a child psychiatrist and a paediatrician), and four mothers. RESULTS: The findings revealed that autistic people and parents of autistic individuals often experience communication breakdowns in healthcare settings and beyond. Limited knowledge of autism among professionals, as well as the lack of services and support remain a big problem, affecting the lives of autistic people. CONCLUSION: These findings have implications for healthcare practice and future research and policy in Georgia and other countries with similar socio-political characteristics.