One of the challenges encountered by Autistic children is fear anxiety or trauma during medical trips, which can contribute to their avoidance of healthcare. In fact, children with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk – four times more likely – of having unmet healthcare needs as compared to those without disabilities.
It’s an issue that highlights the need for improved support and accommodations in healthcare settings.
PATH (Promoting Accessibility To Healthcare) program
As an innovative step toward addressing this issue, UC Davis Health has initiated the PATH (Promoting Accessibility To Healthcare) program. It’s a program that aims to enhance the healthcare experience for children and families with neurodiversity by creating an environment that is accommodating and tailored to their needs.
This pioneering program is first being implemented at the Children’s Surgery Center (CSC) in UC Davis Children’s Hospital, where 80% of the staff have been trained on the PATH curriculum as of this month. This makes CSC the first unit in the hospital to achieve PATH certification, a significant milestone in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare for children with neuro diversities.
Essential information from families
It has started by gathering essential information from families and patients, considering their preferences and sensitivities. For individuals on the autism spectrum, excessive brightness or loud noises can cause discomfort or pain. In addition, for those who have experienced past medical trauma, the mere sight of lab coats or medical equipment can trigger distressing emotions.
These factors greatly impact the overall success of a patient’s visit and can determine whether it is a positive experience or one that adds to their trauma. This information will help them implement the best practices in providing a more comfortable and effective visit for these ASD children and Adults, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Some accommodations have already been made, such as expanding the assortment of sensory items and distraction tools available, prioritizing sensitive patients for morning appointments, and providing quieter spaces in both pre-and post-operative areas.
Providing inclusive and sensitive care in Sacramento, CA
Some of these initiatives may seem small, but they make a huge difference in creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for children with neurological differences. As an ABA therapy provider in Sacramento, we applaud the efforts made by UC Davis Children’s Hospital and CSC to prioritize the needs of ASD patients.
We believe that every healthcare institution should strive towards providing inclusive and sensitive care for all patients, regardless of their neurodiversity. To further support this mission, Sacramento ABA also offers ABA therapy services tailored to each specific child diagnosed with Autism.
Through evidence-based techniques and individualized treatment plans, we aim to provide our clients a positive and supportive experience while promoting their growth and development. Should you need any assistance or guidance in implementing effective accommodations for your ASD patients, please do not hesitate to contact our Sacramento ABA team. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding healthcare environment for individuals with neurological differences.
