Caring for Children with Autism in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and similar conditions experience and cope with their surroundings in a unique way. Although a visit to the emergency department (ED) is stressful for any child, the stress for those with ASD and similar conditions can overwhelm their ability to cope. Many elements of visiting the ED contribute to the stress children with ASD experience; they are not feeling well or have an injury, the environment is foreign and filled with harsh stimuli, and the medical professionals they encounter may not understand their unique needs. Fortunately, through staff education, modifications to the environment, and individualizing care plans, a visit to the ED can be a more positive experience for children with ASD. [ Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(8):e333–e336.]

Emergency mental health presentations in children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…Both ASD and ADHD are externalising disorders, meaning that behavioural outbursts are more common when the child experiences a crisis 18 . Individuals with ASD have difficulty processing emotional stimuli and have limited social‐communication skills 18–20 . Both physical and emotional stressors, such as pain, noise or anxiety may be expressed as disruptive or aggressive behaviour 19 .…”

“…Children with ASD have a need for predictability and routine, and they are prone to sensory overload 20 . The ED is chaotic, unpredictable, noisy and extremely bright, all of which are likely to result in worsening agitation 19,20 .…”

“…Children with ASD have a need for predictability and routine, and they are prone to sensory overload 20 . The ED is chaotic, unpredictable, noisy and extremely bright, all of which are likely to result in worsening agitation 19,20 . Ensuring that the time spent waiting in the ED for a medical and/or psychiatric review is minimised will reduce the likelihood of behavioural escalation for young people with ASD 20 …”

“…18 Individuals with ASD have difficulty processing emotional stimuli and have limited social-communication skills. [18][19][20] Both physical and emotional stressors, such as pain, noise or anxiety may be expressed as disruptive or aggressive behaviour. 19 Young people with ADHD have significant deficits in emotional regulation, poor coping strategies and disinhibition.…”

Practice of Music Therapy for Autistic Children Based on Music Data Mining

“…e initial model of using music therapy to intervene in autistic patients comes from the study of maternal-infant relationship. In-depth study of the musical dialogue between the baby's mother and the baby shows that when the baby is very young, it can react differently to different tones and melodies of the mother's voice [11]. Rachael et al found that music therapy had an effective effect on the common attention of autistic children [12].…”