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Published on: July 31, 2017
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.
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.
Abstract:
Taking care of children with autism spectrum disorders is not uncommon in emergency departments as they visit hospital for acute medical and psychiatric conditions. The current prevalence and increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorders will increase the demand for hospital and outpatient services for these children, necessitating education of health care professionals and system adaptations. This paper describes a patient with autism spectrum disorder who had some challenging behavior in the emergency department when he presented with anaphylaxis and discusses management strategies that would help in caring for children with autism spectrum disorders.
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