Back to basics: Practical strategies to reduce sensory overstimulation in the emergency department identified by adults and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Introduction: Sensory overstimulation of autistic patients of all ages during an ED visit can ultimately lead to care escalation, but few studies have evaluated patient perspectives on improving the ED sensory experience across the age continuum. The purpose of this study was to explore patient-centered perspectives on reducing adult and pediatric autistic patients' sensory stimulation during an ED visit. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive design to explore how autistic patients experience sensory disruption and recommendations to improve care. Data were analyzed inductively using an overall categorization of 6 senses (visual, auditory, touch, smell, taste, and proprioception). Results: Fourteen adults and 30 caregivers of children provided written responses to open-ended interview questions (n = 44). Participants suggested strategies to minimize the sensory disruption they experienced; however, an overarching recommendation was for clinicians to ask about their or their child's preferences before delivering care or services. Conclusion: Because people with autism are more likely to visit an ED than their neurotypical counterparts, ED clinicians should be proficient in sensory-friendly care. A variety of evidence-based practical strategies and design approaches exist that can be leveraged to reduce the risk of care escalation; however, the most basic may be to prioritize asking patients and their caregivers about their preferences prior to providing care.

Automated summary

This study explores the issue of sensory stimulation in autistic patients during emergency department visits and provides recommendations for improving care. Participants suggested that healthcare providers should ask about patients' and caregivers' preferences before providing care.