Reasonable Adjustments Outside The Workplace

The right to "reasonable adjustments" is a powerful tool that ensures disabled people, including autistic people, can access society more equitably. While often discussed in the context of employment, this right extends far beyond the workplace, applying to almost every area of public life, including education, healthcare, and community services.

This article is a practical guide for autistic people and their advocates in the UK. It aims to empower you to understand your rights, identify your needs, and confidently request the adjustments you need in various settings. This is not about asking for special favours; it is about ensuring you have fair and equal access to opportunities and services.

Your Rights: The Equality Act 2010

What gives you the right to ask for these changes? In the UK, the key piece of legislation is the Equality Act 2010. This Act protects people from discrimination, and because autism is considered a disability under the law, autistic people are protected by it.

A crucial part of the Act is the duty to make reasonable adjustments. This legal duty requires organisations that provide services to the public-including schools, universities, hospitals, GP surgeries, and shops-to make changes to ensure a disabled person is not at a "substantial disadvantage" compared to non-disabled people.

Reasonable Adjustments in Education

Educational settings can be sensorily overwhelming and socially complex. Requesting adjustments is key to being able to learn effectively.

• For Exams and Assessments

  You can ask for extra time to accommodate slower processing speed, or for a separate, quiet room to reduce sensory distractions and anxiety.

• In Lectures and Classes

  You might request permission to record lectures to help with processing information later, to receive lecture notes in advance, or to be allowed to wear ear defenders during noisy group work.

• For Assignments

  It is reasonable to ask for instructions to be provided in a clear, written, step-by-step format, and for feedback to be given in a direct and specific way.

• Who to Approach

  In a school, speak to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). At university or college, contact the Disability Support Service.

For example, when you go to a new university, you might approach your Dean or Registrar and say, "Hello, I have an appointment to discuss support. I'm autistic, and I find the noise and visual distraction of large exam halls very difficult. I'd like to request to take my exams in a separate, quiet room as a reasonable adjustment. This would help me to focus and demonstrate my knowledge more effectively". This kind of adjustment does not change the academic standard but it does help "level the playing field" a bit, allowing you to demonstrate your abilities without being disadvantaged by the environment around you.

Reasonable Adjustments in Healthcare

How can a stressful medical appointment be made more manageable? Healthcare settings are often unpredictable and sensorily challenging, but you can request adjustments to make your visit smoother. For example:

• Booking and Waiting

  You could request to book appointments via email or an online system if you find phone calls stressful. When you arrive, you can ask to wait in a quieter side room instead of a busy waiting area to prevent sensory overload before you even see the doctor.

• During the Consultation

  You can ask the doctor to use clear, simple language, to write down the most important points for you, or to allow an advocate or family member to be with you for support. Using a Hospital Passport can be an excellent way to communicate all your needs clearly. (You can make your own free Autism Hospital Passport at the Autism Info Centre at passport.autisminfocenter.org).

• For Procedures

  It is reasonable to ask for a clear, step-by-step explanation of what will happen during a procedure before it starts. This reduces the fear of the unknown.

• Who to Approach

  At a GP surgery, you can speak to the receptionist when booking, or contact the Practice Manager. In a hospital, the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is there to help with these requests.

For example, if you're attending a doctor's appointment, you might approach the receptionist and say, "When I book, could I please request the first appointment of the day? I find the waiting room very overwhelming when it's busy. Having a quieter waiting time would really reduce my anxiety and help me communicate better with the doctor". Adjustments like this can help to lower your stress levels, enabling you to communicate your health concerns more clearly and get the most out of your appointment.

Reasonable Adjustments in Public and Leisure Spaces

This right also applies when you are out in the community. For example:

• In Shops

  If you are feeling overwhelmed while shopping, you can ask a staff member for help finding specific items to make your trip quicker and less stressful.

• At Attractions (Museums, etc)

  If you know a particular exhibit has intense flashing lights or loud sounds that would be distressing for you, you can ask staff if there is a way to bypass that section.

• In Libraries

  You can ask to use a study desk in a designated quiet zone, away from the main traffic, to help with concentration.

• Who to Approach

  Go to a customer service desk, find a staff member, or ask to speak to a manager. They'll usually be ready and able to help you.

For example, if you're in a museum, you might approach the information desk and say, "Excuse me, I'm autistic and I'm very sensitive to loud, sudden noises. I've read that the 'Volcano Experience' is very loud. Is there a route I can take to get to the next gallery that avoids that room?" Asking for small changes like this can make public and leisure activities, which might otherwise seem impossible, both accessible and enjoyable.

Your Right to Participate Fully

Requesting reasonable adjustments is your legal right, designed to ensure you can participate fully in society. It is a proactive and empowering way to manage your environment.

By understanding your own needs, identifying barriers, and communicating your ideas clearly and calmly, you can access the same services and opportunities as everyone else, and be fully included in your whole community.