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Autism Comes to the Pediatric Hospital: Perspectives of Child Life Specialists
- Source :
-
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders . 2024 54(1):312-325. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- The hospital setting may be especially difficult for pediatric patients on the autism spectrum and their families compared to those not on the spectrum. Child life specialists are healthcare professionals specifically trained to support parents and their children and help prepare them for hospital procedures. Because of this specialized skill set, these professionals likely have a wealth of expertise to share relevant to caring for autistic patients. This study aimed to understand 21 child life specialists' experiences working with patients on the spectrum. Our findings highlighted the following themes: Parents are the Experts, Proactive and Individualized Care, Disclosure, and Hospital-Wide Suggestions to Improve Patient Care. We discuss the practice implications of these findings on the healthcare experiences of pediatric patients on the spectrum.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0162-3257 and 1573-3432
- Volume :
- 54
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1407432
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05776-9