ArticleBMC health services research2023
Strategies to improve the magnetic resonance imaging experience for autistic individuals: a cross-sectional study exploring parents and carers' experiences.
Article in BMC health services research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 20 citations in OpenAlex.
- Ethical Complexities and Concerns Surrounding Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Open-Access Scientific Framework in Autism Research.Autism in adulthood · 2026Article
- An Exploration of Australian Radiographers' Perceptions of and Experiences With Imaging Autistic People.Journal of medical radiation sciences · 2026Article
- Cardiac MRI in cardiac dystrophinopathy: recommendations on imaging.Open heart · 2026Review
- Feasibility of Non-Sedate Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Tolerance and Structural Analysis Considerations.Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Knowledge attitudes and practices regarding MRI safety among healthcare providers and patients/family members in China.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Acute Medical Events in Adults with Profound Autism: A Review and Illustrative Case Series.Brain sciences · 2025Article
- Barriers and facilitators for participation in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in cancer research: a feasibility and acceptability analysis.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2025Article
- Multi-level treatment outcome evaluation in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health · 2025Article
- Considering the interconnected nature of social identities in neuroimaging research.Nature neuroscience · 2025Review
- Article
- Mapping neural correlates of biological motion perception in autistic children using high-density diffuse optical tomography.Molecular autism · 2024Article
- Use of an adaptive sensory environment in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the perioperative environment: a parallel, randomized controlled trial.Lancet regional health. Americas · 2024Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
16 authors at 10 institutions in 4 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAutistic individuals encounter numerous barriers in accessing healthcare, including communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and a lack of appropriate adjustments. These issues are particularly acute during MRI scans, which involve confined spaces, loud noises, and the necessity to remain still. There remains no unified approach to preparing autistic individuals for MRI procedures.
methodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted with parents and carers of autistic individuals in the UK to explore their experiences, barriers, and recommendations concerning MRI scans. The survey collected demographic information and experiential accounts of previous MRI procedures. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while key themes were identified within the qualitative data through inductive thematic analysis.
resultsSixteen parents/carers participated. The majority reported difficulties with communication, inadequate pre-scan preparation, and insufficient adjustments during MRI scans for their autistic children. Key barriers included an overwhelming sensory environment, radiographers' limited understanding of autism, and anxiety stemming from uncertainties about the procedure. Recommended improvements encompassed accessible communication, pre-visit familiarisation, noise-reduction and sensory adaptations, staff training on autism, and greater flexibility to meet individual needs.
conclusionsThere is an urgent need to enhance MRI experiences for autistic individuals. This can be achieved through improved staff knowledge, effective communication strategies, thorough pre-scan preparation, and tailored reasonable adjustments. Co-producing clear MRI guidelines with the autism community could standardise sensitive practices. An individualised approach is crucial for reducing anxiety and facilitating participation. Empowering radiographers through autism-specific education and incorporating insights from autistic individuals and their families could transform MRI experiences and outcomes.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.