New video guides will help autistic people understand health and social care appointments

New video guides will help autistic people understand health and social care appointments image

Home » News » New video guides will help autistic people understand health and social care appointments

Autistic people can now get a better understanding of what to expect from screening appointments and other common NHS experiences thanks to an innovative series of videos created and produced by Autism Bedfordshire and funded by Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board.

A launch event being held in Flitwick today (Wednesday 27th March) saw the première of videos on type 2 diabetes, breast screening and weight management.  These will be followed by further films in the series, which will first be seen during Autism Awareness Week (2-8 April) and include guides to blood tests and other healthcare screenings.

Autistic people were identified as a key group in the Denny Review, a pioneering report on health inequalities in the local area, led by Reverend Lloyd Denny, a well-respected faith and community leader from Luton, was published in September last year.

The report, which included more than two thousand resident voices, outlined that some people face worse health outcomes than others, because they don’t understand how health and care services work, or what will happen during routine appointments.

Using insights from interviews undertaken by local Healthwatch organisations and grassroots organisations in the voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector, a series of explainer videos have been developed to break down the barriers to good health for autistic people and other learning disabilities.

Felicity Cox, Chief Executive Officer of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“I congratulate Autism Bedfordshire for leading the way in responding to the recommendations outlined in the Denny Review and producing a series of videos which will really break down barriers for people accessing health and care.”

“We know that people living with autism often need information presented in a different way and so it’s essential that we make it as easy as possible for everyone to access tests and screening which will help people access the help and care they need to lead long and healthy lives.”

“We are determined to put into action the recommendations which were made by Reverend Lloyd Denny, and this is a positive step in the right direction.”

Emma Reade, Chief Executive officer of Autism Bedfordshire, said:

“We’ve been privileged to support autistic adults – as well as with their families, carers and friends – to produce films which meet their needs.  Something like a  blood test or a screening appointment can be a very daunting experience , so our guides will show people what to expect.

“This way of working – which is called co-production – is essential in a project like this, because it ensures that autistic people are always at the very centre of what we do and in control of their own healthcare experiences.”

A member from Autism Bedfordshire said:

“I lost faith in the health service and didn’t consider well women screenings to be essential.  Being part of this project has given me increased confidence to access health services again.  I am now more likely to go, I feel more prepared, I am very clear at telling people I am autistic.”

The videos will be available on YouTube on the BLMKHealthandCare channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClc6qI9iOpbEKcmi32gNfWQ

View all news

Latest news and highlights

Case Study

27 October 2025

Innovative facial analysis app recognises pain in care home residents

Danecroft is a 34-bed care home in Bedford, predominantly caring for people living with dementia but also other conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS. Since…

News

24 October 2025

Half term clinics to offer catch-up vaccinations for children

Parents of children who are behind on any of their immunisations have been reminded that there will be an opportunity to catch up on any…

News

17 October 2025

Local care providers use digital toolkit to monitor vital signs and prevent…

A remote monitoring toolkit has demonstrated potential for empowering care staff to make data-led healthcare decisions about the people they care for. The Whzan blue box measures vital signs such…

News

15 October 2025

One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab

One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show. It’s always a good idea to get…

Case Study

9 October 2025

Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia

Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been…

News

2 October 2025

Digital tool improves mobility and balance in people at risk of falls

The largest real-world evaluation of GaitSmart, an AI-driven digital tool for people with gait (walking pattern) and mobility issues across four sites in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, has seen improved health…