Autism Sensory Kits Now Used in Oklahoma EDs

A trip to the hospital emergency department can be overwhelming for anyone, but for individuals with autism, the stress can be significantly heightened. For patients with autism, routine medical visits can present unique challenges, and an emergency situation can be especially difficult due to the sensory sensitivities many individuals with autism experience.

In response to this, Mercy Hospital has recently implemented a specialized training program for its emergency department (ED) staff aimed at enhancing their ability to care for patients with autism. This training program focuses on understanding sensory overload and applying effective interventions to ensure that individuals with autism receive the best possible care in stressful hospital environments. The training also highlights the importance of utilizing sensory kits—tools designed to help patients manage sensory overload, which can be a common issue for those with autism. According to Chandee Kott, the program director at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, these kits are part of a comprehensive approach to improving care for patients with autism.

“We discuss how to identify sensory overload and effectively use a sensory kit to assist patients,” explained Kott, who has been working closely with Mercy Hospital staff on this initiative. Recognizing that sensory overload can be a significant issue for individuals with autism, the staff at Mercy is now better equipped to offer the necessary interventions and support to minimize stress during medical visits.

The importance of recognizing sensory sensitivities in patients with autism cannot be overstated. These sensitivities may manifest in reactions to loud noises, crowded spaces, or harsh lighting—common features of a typical emergency department. “If a patient comes in experiencing these challenges, it’s vital for health care staff to notice and take steps to alleviate their discomfort,” Kott said. This understanding is crucial for ensuring that patients with autism are not further distressed by an already intimidating hospital environment.

Mercy Hospital’s initiative is groundbreaking, as it is the first hospital in Oklahoma to offer such specialized training for its ED staff. The training aims to make visits to the emergency department less daunting for patients with autism, who may otherwise feel overwhelmed by the sensory stimuli present in the hospital setting. The goal is not only to address immediate medical needs but to ensure that the experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma played a leading role in spearheading this important training program. The idea for the program was inspired by Shannon Montgomery, an ED nurse at Mercy Hospital who is also the mother of a 6-year-old autistic boy. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of medical visits with her son, Montgomery was motivated to advocate for a change in how the healthcare system addresses the needs of patients with autism.

“As a parent, I know how stressful even a routine doctor’s appointment can be for my son. An emergency room visit is exponentially more difficult because we can’t take the time to calm him down,” said Montgomery. Her personal experiences have driven her to ensure that other families with children on the autism spectrum can receive better care when they face emergency medical situations.

Montgomery hopes that the training will serve as a model for other hospitals, making healthcare environments more inclusive for patients with autism. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness across the healthcare field so that all healthcare providers are better prepared to support families and patients with autism.

By expanding this knowledge throughout the healthcare system, Montgomery believes significant improvements can be made in the care provided to patients with autism. For families like hers, this kind of training could be transformative, ensuring that the care experience is not only medically effective but also as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

Ultimately, Mercy Hospital’s commitment to better supporting patients with autism reflects a broader effort to address the unique needs of individuals with autism within the healthcare system. Through these training programs and the continued advocacy of individuals like Montgomery, hospitals and medical staff will be better equipped to provide compassionate, effective care for patients with autism and their families.