Healthcare Providers' Experiences with Autism: A Scoping Review.

Morris et al. (2019) searched 27 studies that asked doctors, nurses, and therapists one question: what is it like to treat an autistic patient?

They read interviews, surveys, and focus-group transcripts from around the world. No lab work, no new data—just a map of what providers already told us.

Providers kept saying the same four pain points. Their job feels too complex, they lack autism know-how, talking with patients is hard, and the system gives little help.

The review shows a clear gap: good intentions meet poor preparation.

Bruder et al. (2012) saw the same training gap seven years earlier. Their survey of 346 primary-care doctors already warned that physicians felt under-qualified. Rae widens the lens to all healthcare workers and confirms the problem never went away.

Jubenville-Wood et al. (2024) and Øverland et al. (2025) zoom in on mental-health clinicians. These newer qualitative studies move beyond "we feel lost" to "here is what actually helps." Together they extend Rae’s barrier list into a starter kit of fixes: adjust communication style, respect autonomy, and share clear session agendas.

Edwards et al. (2026) flips the camera. Their scoping review asked autistic healthcare students—not providers—how placements feel. Students cite sensory overload and disclosure dilemmas. The two reviews sit side-by-side: providers say "we need training," students say "we need accommodations." The gap is two-way, not one-way.

If you supervise RBTs in medical clinics, use these papers as a package. Start with the Rae list to build an autism-specific in-service that covers role clarity, communication tips, and system supports. Then borrow the concrete strategies from Theresa and Elisabeth to role-play adjusted eye contact, literal language, and sensory-friendly waiting areas. Finally, add the Emilie lens: invite autistic clients or students to co-teach the session so staff hear the other side of the story. One lunchtime training can hit both voices and shrink the double-sided gap.