Purpose

This case study aims to describe how patients with autism and/or a learning disability detained in a psychiatric hospital were supported to register and vote in the 2019 UK general election.

Design/methodology/approach

A speech and language therapist supported patients to register and vote. Data on the number of patients who registered and voted are reported as well as feedback from patients about their experiences.

Findings

Forty-two per cent of patients registered to vote; 27% did not want to register; and 31% could not understand the information provided and/or state a clear preference because of the severity of their cognitive and communication difficulties. Fifteen per cent of patients voted and were all first-time voters.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that it is possible to support significant numbers of autistic and learning disabled patients in a psychiatric hospital to register for and vote in a parliamentary election.

中文翻译：

---

政治参与 2019 年英国大选中被拘留在精神病院的自闭症和/或学习障碍患者

目的

本案例研究旨在描述如何支持被拘留在精神病院的自闭症和/或学习障碍患者在 2019 年英国大选中进行登记和投票。

设计/方法/方法

一位言语和语言治疗师支持患者注册和投票。报告了有关注册和投票的患者数量的数据以及患者对其经历的反馈。

发现

42% 的患者登记投票；27% 不想注册；31% 无法理解所提供的信息和/或陈述明确的偏好，因为他们的认知和沟通困难的严重性。15% 的患者投票并且都是首次投票。

原创性/价值

这项研究表明，有可能支持精神病院中大量的自闭症和学习障碍患者在议会选举中登记和投票。