Last year, Richard gave a speech at a conference for the Agency for Clinical Innovation to a room full of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. He shared his perspective as a young man on the autism spectrum and also told his audience about his experiences with all things medical. He shared some valuable insight! He told them … “Growing up I spent a lot of time in hospital and with doctors. I still have a lot of doctor’s appointments. I like it when the doctors are on time and I don’t have to wait for a long time for my turn. When I go in to see them I like to talk to them and to hold their stethoscope.
I was told that you want to hear my advice. It’s pretty simple really. I’m just like everyone else, I like to talk and to eat the food in the hospital, and I like the doctor to talk to me and ask me questions because I like to answer. I like it when you smile.”