Making Social Prescribing Accessible for Autistic People: Best Practice Guidelines
April 9th, 2026
This guide provides practical recommendations for making social prescribing more accessible and inclusive for autistic people across the entire pathway – from referral through to community engagement. It also includes case studies demonstrating how these recommendations can realistically be implemented in different service contexts.
Posted bySarah Pearl
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Abstract/Description
Social prescribing has the potential to significantly improve wellbeing and quality of life for autistic
people by connecting them to meaningful activities and community support. However, autistic people
currently face substantial barriers in accessing and benefiting from social prescribing at every stage of
the pathway. Poorly matched or rushed social prescribing can worsen anxiety, disengagement, or
mistrust in services. Making social prescribing accessible is essential for ensuring equity, improving
health outcomes, and promoting social inclusion.
This guide provides recommendations for Autism-accessible social prescribing practices, including practicing person centered care, building trust and relationships, adapting communication styles, establishing clear information flows, training the workforce, and learning from learned expertise. Stage- specific recommendations and case studies are provided alongside these suggestions.
people by connecting them to meaningful activities and community support. However, autistic people
currently face substantial barriers in accessing and benefiting from social prescribing at every stage of
the pathway. Poorly matched or rushed social prescribing can worsen anxiety, disengagement, or
mistrust in services. Making social prescribing accessible is essential for ensuring equity, improving
health outcomes, and promoting social inclusion.
This guide provides recommendations for Autism-accessible social prescribing practices, including practicing person centered care, building trust and relationships, adapting communication styles, establishing clear information flows, training the workforce, and learning from learned expertise. Stage- specific recommendations and case studies are provided alongside these suggestions.
