For patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a trip to a healthcare provider can cause distress. Many with ASD are particularly sensitive to light, sound, textures, and touches. Some have advocates, loved ones, or parents who assist with communication. Yet, few urgent care providers have the insight or the resources to improve the experience of clinic visits for those with ASD. Three Northwell Health-GoHealth pediatric centers in New York recently partnered with the national organization Autism Speaks and the Cohen Children’s Medical Center’s Bee Mindful program to adopt best practices and earn the Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation. According to a company announcement, new offerings for patients include lights that dim, sensory kits, and non-verbal communication tools. Northwell Health-GoHealth also has a training program for staff. The program was funded by a grant from the Urgent Care Association. Developed by Autism Speaks, the designation program helps foster organizational understanding and acceptance of people with ASD and those who support them. The designation is re-evaluated every 2 years.
Growing estimates: An estimated 1 in 36 children (approximately 4% of boys and 1% of girls) in the United States have ASD—a number reflective of surveillance at 11 sites by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. With improved screening tools and provider awareness, the prevalence has been trending upward in recent years.