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Henrico Doctors’ Hospital Dec. 19 will dedicate newly designed rooms that will make it the first autism- and sensory-friendly pediatric ER and hospital in Central Virginia.
The rooms will provide pediatric patients with sensory concerns specific features and services including: a communication notebook with step- by-step procedure pictures to let patients know what to expect; a dimmer switch on overhead LED lighting; calming light projector; sensory cart filled with calming toys and products; redesigned rooms, painted in a relaxing blue with minimal equipment; weighted blankets and noise canceling headphones; and a certified child life specialist. All staff members are trained in how to best interact with patients with sensory needs.
Hospital officials will dedicate the area during a 10 a.m. ceremony Dec. 19.
The hospital collaborated with staff members from the St. Joseph's Villa Sarah Dooley Center for Autism staff in making the pediatric ER autism-friendly. Children from the center also contributed artwork to the rooms.
According to the CDC, 1 in 59 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder and 1 in 6 has a developmental disability.
