04/04/2024
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance month.
Here are some tips to succeed in caring for a patient with autism:
Treat your patient with respect: Individuals with autism are sometimes patronized and treated as if they are children—regardless of their age. Providing quality care means providing all patients with the same level of dignity and respect. Speak to your patients clearly, being supportive of their requests and understanding their struggles.
Limit the number of care providers: For those with autism, being in an unfamiliar environment like a medical facility is stressful. Not having a set pattern and schedule, and being around all new faces can upset the patient and can result in them feeling anxious, uncomfortable, and irate. By having a set routine of people, the patient can get to know and trust, comfort will eventually grow, allowing your patient to feel more at ease.
Practice patience: Visiting the hospital or doctor’s office can make anyone feel uncomfortable—especially those with autism. This sense of unease can cause the patient to experience disturbing or difficult behaviors, such as anger. Recognize the factors influencing the reaction and take what you’ve learned into account as you readjust your care plan and realize that often someone’s reaction isn’t a reflection of the care offered, but rather of the stress they feel.
Prepare for the unpredictable: While being prepared and educated on what to do is important, knowing when to adjust your plan and pivoting to best suit an individual’s unique needs is vital. Always be ready to make a new care strategy to ensure your patient is comfortable and content.
Remember, what works for one patient may not work for another. The most important thing is to approach every interaction with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. With these tips and maintaining awareness, you can make sure your patient not only gets the care they deserve—but can feel at peace throughout the experience.
