Managing Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Emergency Departments

Shafiqa Al Sharif1, Savithiri Ratnapalan

  • 1From the *King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and †The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|February 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in emergency departments presents unique challenges. This paper discusses strategies for managing challenging behaviors in ASD patients during acute medical events like anaphylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly prevalent, leading to more frequent emergency department (ED) visits for acute conditions.
  • Healthcare professionals require specialized training and system adaptations to effectively manage pediatric ASD patients.

Observation:

  • A case study of a child with ASD experiencing challenging behaviors during an emergency department visit for anaphylaxis.
  • The patient exhibited specific behaviors that complicated immediate medical assessment and treatment.

Findings:

  • Effective management requires understanding ASD-specific needs and implementing tailored strategies.
  • Strategies include environmental modifications, communication aids, and behavioral support to mitigate distress.

Implications:

  • Healthcare professionals require enhanced training to manage ASD patients effectively in acute care settings.
  • System-level adaptations in emergency departments are crucial for providing safe and compassionate care to children with ASD.

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