Autistic n (%) | Non-autistic n (%) | Difference (95% CI) | P value | |
Reasons to avoid or delay GP visit (sensory) | ||||
The waiting room environment | 256 (51) | 12 (8) | 42.8% (36.4% to 49.3%) | <0.001 |
Specific sensory challenges | ||||
Noise in the waiting room from other patients | 319 (63) | 19 (12) | 51% (43.8% to 57.8%) | <0.001 |
Crowded waiting area | 299 (59) | 22 (14) | 45% (37.6% to 52.3%) | <0.001 |
Bright or fluorescent lights | 268 (53) | 14 (9) | 44% (37.3% to 50.6%) | <0.001 |
Uncomfortable furniture | 195 (39) | 11 (7) | 32% (25.2% to 37.7%) | <0.001 |
Unexpected touch | 193 (38) | 9 (6) | 32% (26.3% to 38.3%) | <0.001 |
Music playing in the waiting room | 172 (34) | 9 (6) | 28% (22.3 to 34.1%) | <0.001 |
Smells in the waiting room | 171 (34) | 8 (5) | 29% (22.9% to 34.4%) | <0.001 |
Touch during examination | 160 (32) | 11 (7) | 25% (18.5% to 30.7%) | <0.001 |
Noise from the reception desk | 140 (28) | 4 (3) | 25% (20.0% to 30.1%) | <0.001 |
Smells in the doctor’s office | 104 (21) | 6 (4) | 17% (11.7% to 21.7%) | <0.001 |
None of the above (sensory) | 51 (10) | 112 (71) | −61% (−69.2% to −53.3%) | <0.001 |
GP, general practitioner.