Dear Healthcare Provider:

Please read the information below before engaging with Michael McFarland Campbell for any health/medical appointments/engagements.

My name is Michael McFarland Campbell, and I’m autistic. Because of this, I experience the world differently and may need extra support during medical appointments or procedures. Healthcare providers must understand autism and neurodiversity to ensure a positive experience and better outcomes for me.

During appointments or hospital stays, the following approaches work best for me:

• Appointment Communication: I prefer email or text for making or adjusting appointments rather than phone calls.
• Auditory Processing: I have difficulty processing auditory information, especially in busy environments. Please be patient as I may need extra time to respond. Clear and direct communication is helpful.
• Continuous Consent: Please seek my consent before making physical contact, especially during procedures. Consent should be sought each time physical contact is initiated.
• Step-by-step Explanation: Verbalise each step of any treatment or procedure, including seeking consent. This helps me feel safe and informed.
• Pain Sensitivity: I’m more sensitive to pain than average, so please be aware of this when administering treatment or anaesthesia. Additional doses may be necessary.
• Written Information: Provide written information alongside verbal communication to allow me time to process. Understand that I may need extra time to respond and follow instructions.
• Sensory Difficulties: I struggle with sensory stimuli like lights, sounds, and smells. I may use noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, sunglasses, or a blanket or have a teddy with me to help me stay calm.
• Food Preferences: I have specific food preferences and may find it difficult to tolerate hospital food.
• Appointment Attendance: Additional people present during appointments can be stressful for me. Please minimise unnecessary attendees and explain their roles clearly.
• Eye Contact: I find it stressful to make eye contact, so please don’t expect it. Lack of eye contact doesn’t indicate a lack of attention or listening.
• Consistent Communication: Preferably, one healthcare professional should communicate with me throughout my hospital stay or per shift if longer than 8 hours.
• Quiet Environment: A quiet room or section for hospital stays and medical procedures reduces my stress. A quiet waiting room is also helpful.
• Small Talk: I find small talk stressful and prefer to avoid it during appointments.
• Handling Stress: I may become silent or agitated when stressed. It’s important for healthcare providers to understand autism and support me with quiet space and time to process information.

Thank you for taking the time to understand and accommodate my needs. It greatly improves my access to healthcare.

This information was prepared with Dr Áine Lombard, Chartered Counselling Psychologist at The Adult Autism Practice.