Golisano Children’s Hospital supports patients with autism with sensory-friendly care

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Golisano Children’s Hospital is enhancing care for patients who are autistic and neurodivergent through its SEA STAR program, which offers sensory-friendly services and autism-certified staff.

Emily McClennan, a child life specialist at Golisano Children’s Hospital, came on "Good Morning Gulf Coast" to explain how that program can turn the scary stigma of hospital stays into a welcoming and safe experience for your child.

“Certified Child Life Specialists use education, emotional support, therapeutic play and other tools to reduce anxiety and fear, making the hospital environment more welcoming and approachable,” McClennan said.

McClennan noted that all Child Life Specialists at the hospital are autism-certified and trained to work with patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent conditions.

She highlighted the SEA STAR program, which includes Florida’s first Certified Autism Center™, sensory-friendly policy reviews, and the state’s first sensory-friendly ambulance designed to improve comfort and reduce stress during transportation.

“Learning about the child and communicating their needs to the care team is essential. This includes identifying triggers, clarifying whether they prefer morning or afternoon appointments, ensuring they eat first, avoiding wait times, and discussing other adjustments to incorporate their sensitivities and nuances into treatment,” McClennan said.

For more information about child life services, visit Lee Health’s website.

Watch the full segment above!

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