Autism

According to the source, Fighting Autism, a national nonprofit organization, the number of autistic individuals between the ages of 3 and 22 significantly increased from 93,650 in 2000 to 259,705 in 2006. One out of every 150 children has a disorder somewhere on the autism spectrum. Fortunately, experts in the field say these numbers likely represent an increased awareness about the disease, which is leading to diagnosis at an early age. However, treating patients with autism typically requires more time and education. Also, with autism rates growing, pediatric hospital staffs need to think about strategies for dealing with various patients with Autism. Physicians who are used to working with autistic patients acknowledge that this population will almost always require more patience and energy than other patients.

Most children in the world are anxious when they have to stay in the hospital, but for a child on the autism spectrum, these stressors can expand exponentially. Various reports document the existence of a handful of medical facilities around the country that have autism consultants who are called in to help with arriving patients, providing various ideas for both parents and staff. When a child with autism arrives at the hospital, doctors and nurses need to make the child’s life as consistent as possible. 

It is suggested that nurses speak with the parents to understand the child's physical, emotional and mental abilities. A 15- to 30-minute session with the parents before the medical visit, either in person or on the phone, is often all that is required. The nurse can ask the parents the following questions:

Is the child verbal or nonverbal? Does the child follow simple commands?

Does the child make eye contact? Respond to his/her name? Share with others?

How does the child behave or respond to touch? Does the child have tantrums or other problem behaviors? What initiates them?

To reduce anxiety for both patients and staff of the hospital,...