Resources for Patients with Autism
UNM Hospital provides resources for patients with autism as part of its broader commitment to reducing healthcare disparities and improving access to care. UNM Hospital aims to enhance the care experience for neurodivergent patients by offering sensory kits, developing videos to familiarize patients with clinical spaces, and providing staff training to ensure more comfortable and informed care. These efforts are aligned with UNM Hospital’s goal to create an inclusive healthcare environment and address the unique needs of autistic individuals.
In 2023 UNM Hospital met with community members across Bernalillo County as part of our 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment. During these meetings we asked attendees what services, tools, and resources they need to thrive and what barriers they face when trying to do so.
We have developed strategies and tactics to address their needs based on the feedback we received from caregivers, advocates and those with lived experiences, these strategies focus on enhancing health equity, reducing disparities, and improving access to care, particularly for populations that require specialized attention, such as individuals with autism.
Here are the key reasons why UNM Hospital is providing these resources:
- Reducing Disparities: The CHNA emphasizes the Hospital’s commitment to reducing inequities that lead to disparities in healthcare. Individuals with autism often face challenges in accessing appropriate care due to lack of accommodation or understanding within the healthcare system. UNM Hospital’s objective is to address this gap by improving the care experience for neurodivergent patients, including those with autism.
- Cultural Competency and Training: UNM Hospital is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers and staff are culturally sensitive and equipped to meet the unique needs of different populations. The Hospital has developed training and resources specifically tailored to improving care for patients with autism. This includes piloting the use of sensory kits for patients with autism and providing workshops for non-clinical and clinical staff to increase their understanding and ability to offer more comfortable care.
- Creating a Less Stressful Environment: Recognizing that unfamiliar clinical settings can be stressful for autistic patients, UNM Hospital is developing web pages with videos to help patients with autism become familiar with clinical experiences ahead of time. This initiative aims to reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety, which are often heightened for autistic individuals during medical visits.
- Inclusive Care Practices: UNM Hospital is expanding their resources to accommodate patients with disabilities, including autism, ensuring that healthcare is inclusive and accessible. By providing sensory tools and enhancing the understanding of autism among their staff, the Hospital is working toward more patient-centered care that reduces barriers to health services.