Oklahoma hospital introduces new training to better serve patients with autism
A trip to the hospital emergency department can be overwhelming for anyone, but for individuals with autism, the stress can be significantly heightened.
Mercy Hospital has recently begun training its ED staff to enhance their ability to care for patients with autism. The training focuses on understanding sensory overload and implementing effective interventions, including the use of sensory kits, according to Chandee Kott, program director at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma.
Recognizing that sensory overload can be a significant issue for individuals with autism, the staff at Mercy are now better equipped to offer appropriate interventions and support. "We discuss how to identify sensory overload and effectively use a sensory kit to assist patients," explained Chandee Kott, program director at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma.
Kott emphasized the importance of recognizing sensory sensitivities in patients with autism, whether it is due to loud noises, crowded spaces or harsh lighting. "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 new training initiative aims to make ED visits less daunting for patients with autism. Mercy Hospital is leading the way as the first hospital in Oklahoma to implement this specialized training for its staff.
The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma spearheaded the training, which was inspired by a nurse at Mercy who is also the mother of a 6-year-old autistic boy.
"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 Shannon Montgomery, an ED nurse at Mercy Hospital.
Montgomery hopes that increasing awareness and understanding of autism within the health care system will make a significant difference for children like her son. She emphasized the importance of expanding this knowledge across the health care field to better support patients with autism and their families.