Approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. and 1 in 29 in New Jersey are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disorder affecting how people learn, communicate, and engage with others. With symptoms generally appearing during the first two years of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening for all children at 9, 18, and 30 months, with specific autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Hackensack Meridian Health has developed a suite of innovative programs to provide families living with autism access to sensory-friendly healthcare environments across its hospitals and outpatient facilities.
The health network has trained more than 10,000 team members—including mandatory participation for pediatric nurses—to better understand autism and provide sensory-friendly medical environments through an e-learning initiative. Sensory carts available across the network in pediatric spaces, including emergency departments and oncology units, are equipped with items such as noise-canceling headphones and other support tools to manage sensory challenges during stressful procedures like blood draws. The Patient Passport, a document completed by caregivers, provides specific information about a patient’s triggers and sensory issues, allowing providers to deliver individualized care.
Multi-System Support Initiatives
An Epic Coping Tool questionnaire, after five years of development, will be integrated into the Epic electronic health record system this spring. It prompts nurses to ask caregivers about developmental needs, such as ADHD and autism. If families choose to share information about triggers, a blue heart magnet alerts team members to consult with nursing about patient-specific needs before entering the room. The Autism Sprint initiative breaks down barriers to accessing developmental-behavioral evaluations by expanding diagnostic capacity and reducing bottlenecks. The “While You Wait” workshop provides families with valuable resources, guidance on the evaluation process, letters for school Child Study Teams, and early intervention and mental health information.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.newswise.com/articles/a-path-to-sensory-friendly-care-for-children-with-autism/?sc=rsla