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Introduction: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) struggle with communication, sensory sensitivities and social interaction. These difficulties can make hospital visits challenging. Every child with ASD is unique, and as such, some children can do well in clinical settings with minimal supports while others may require environmental modifications to achieve optimal care. ASD is prevalent worldwide and cultural differences can lead to varied care. Several hospitals, including Boston Medical Center in USA and Sidra Medicine and Research Center in Qatar, have attempted to address these challenges by developing strategies to create an 'Autism Friendly' environment. Objectives: This workshop will 1. Describe the 4 domains of an "Autism Friendly" environment 2. Describe practical steps for successful implementation of interventions and modifications to consider based on setting and culture. Methods: Didactic section 1 will describe the 4 domains for greating an 'Autism Friendly environment'. Didactic section 2 will describe implementation in an inpatient and outpatient setting focusing on modifications based on environmental differences. These didactic presentations will be followed by a hands on, interactive section where participants will break out in small groups to learn specific implementation skills. Results: Participants will learn how to improve care offered to children with ASD during hospital visits. Participants will develop the skills to implement similar interventions in their home institutions. Conclusions: Hospitals can create an Autism Friendly environment by using 4 domains of intervention which could help improve provider skills and patient and family experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite remission being the primary objective following the first episode of schizophrenia, clinically stabilised patients are rarely studied. Aims: To assess the extent and fluctuation of low-level positive symptoms in patients who are in remission following their first episode of schizophrenia, and consider whether symptoms displayed are similar to those exhibited in the prodromal population. Methods: Eleven patients who had recovered for at least six months following one episode of schizophrenia and subsequently fulfilled remission criteria were interviewed four times over the course of three months. Interviews were based on the Structured Interview of Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS), an in-depth assessment of low-level symptoms that is widely used in the prodromal group. Data was compared to equivalent results from the prodromal population (with data provided by the local ED:IT service). Results: Over the course of the interviews 73% of participants displayed attenuated positive symptoms, predominantly unusual thought content and suspiciousness. 18% experienced brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms (BLIPS). Analysis with Friedman''s test revealed no significant fluctuation in positive symptoms, indicating that they are stable over time. Furthermore, the symptoms exhibited in the sample were closely comparable to those in the prodromal group in the ED:IT service. Conclusions: The majority of patients in remission are experiencing a form of ‘postdrome’, which appears to be an enduring state. The presence of these symptoms may put patients at an increased risk of relapse. Larger-scale research is required to follow-up this novel preliminary study. Declaration of interest: None. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]