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Caring for children with autism spectrum condition in paediatric emergency departments
1King's College Hospital, paediatric emergency department, London, England.
Insights
Children with autism spectrum condition (ASC) require tailored support in emergency departments (EDs). Implementing multi-strategy approaches ensures their sensory, behavioral, and communication needs are met for a better hospital experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum condition (ASC) face significant challenges in high-stress pediatric emergency departments (EDs).
- Their unique sensory, behavioral, and communication needs are often overlooked, leading to distress and diagnostic difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the provision of specific accommodations for children with ASC in EDs.
- To promote a multi-strategy approach for making reasonable adjustments to improve their hospital experience.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing challenges faced by children with ASC in ED settings.
- Proposal of a multi-strategy framework for implementing reasonable adjustments.
Main Results:
- Current ED environments can exacerbate stress and meltdowns in children with ASC.
- A proactive, multi-strategy approach is necessary to address their specific needs.
Conclusions:
- Emergency departments must adapt to meet the needs of children with ASC, similar to how pain management is provided.
- Implementing reasonable adjustments can lead to more positive and effective healthcare experiences for these children.
Abstract:
The needs of children with autism spectrum condition (ASC) in paediatric emergency departments (EDs) can often be overlooked. EDs are high-stress environments for children with ASC, which can result in meltdowns, making the diagnostic process challenging. There should be provision for children with ASC, who can have sensory, behavioural and communication needs, in the same way that analgesia is provided for children in pain. This article promotes a multi-strategy approach to making reasonable adjustments to help meet the needs of these children and provide them with a positive hospital experience.
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