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Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital launched a
first-of-its-kind program to support patient care for pediatric
patients with Autism Spectrum and Sensory Disorders (ASD). The SEA
STAR Program, which stands for Safety Education Awareness, Sensory
Training – Autism Readiness, includes the first Certified Autism
Center™ (CAC) hospital in Florida, reviews of policies and
procedures to align with sensory-friendly services, and efforts to
identify locations throughout the facilities to best serve those
living with Autism. It is also now equipped with the first
sensory-friendly ambulance to help improve comfort, reduce stress,
and ensure safe and supportive transportation to the hospital.
About one in 36 children has been identified with ASD, according
to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention’s (CDC’s) Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
The Certified Autism Center™ certification from the
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education
Standards (IBCCES) equips staff and management with the skills
needed to effectively treat autistic and sensory-sensitive
individuals, addressing unique needs in communication, pain
perception and the approach to treatment.
To achieve the CAC designation, over 80% of the hospital’s
physicians, nurses and patient-facing staff underwent training and
certification to enhance their understanding of autism,
communication techniques and patient safety. Additionally, IBCCES
conducted an on-site assessment to offer further support,
recommendations, and tools to improve care and accessibility for
autistic patients and their families. Golisano Children’s Hospital
is only the second full facility in the world to receive this
designation.
"We are thrilled to implement a diverse range of therapeutic
tools for patients with autism and other sensory disorders. Our
team worked tirelessly to make this a reality and it’s a testament
to their dedication to the highest level of compassionate care,”
said chief nursing and operations executive at Golisano Children's
Hospital Alyssa Bostwick. “We are exceptionally proud to see the
hospital become the first Florida hospital to achieve the Certified
Autism Center™ (CAC) designation and to have the first
sensory-friendly ambulance. These lasting and impactful additions
to care help parents recognize that the hospital is a safe space
well-equipped to care for their children’s unique needs, ensuring
that they will have access to the care they need when they need it.
Creating a safe and supportive environment for autistic children
seeking medical care cannot be understated.”
The newly launched SEA STAR program brings together expertise
from multiple disciplines, such as psychology, neurology, and
special education, along with the lived experience and viewpoints
of neurodivergent and disabled individuals themselves to grow the
services of the children’s hospital and facilities.
In a statement, Myron Pincomb, chairman of the IBCCES board,
commends Golisano Children’s Hospital for setting a noteworthy
precedent for inclusivity in healthcare. Pincomb states, "Their
commitment to enhancing care for autistic patients sets a
commendable standard.”
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has led in training and
certification focusing on autism and neurodiversity for
professionals in education, healthcare and corporate fields. These
programs are recognized around the world by more than 100 countries
as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the
areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.
The CAC certification will be renewed every two years as part of
the SEA STAR program with updated training provided for staff. The
credentials and training are meant to supplement or build upon
existing departmental and organizational regulations and rules,
particularly in a healthcare setting where professional protocols
for patient or individual health and safety are already in
place.
The staff at healthcare facilities and hospitals complete hours
of training related to patient care and approach, communication
strategies and awareness of alternative communication, sensory
triggers or sensitivities, co-occurring conditions and needs,
understanding the lived experience of autistic individuals and
caregivers, and compassionate care.
A sensory-friendly ambulance plays a crucial role in ensuring
safe and comfortable transportation for pediatric patients with
ASD, helping to meet their unique sensory needs and provide a
positive experience during medical emergencies or transfers.
The newly introduced ambulance is equipped with an array of
therapeutic sensory devices carefully designed to address patients'
needs and mitigate the impact of an already stressful situation,
taking into account sensitivities to light, noise, and other
sensory stimuli. This includes innovative features, such as a green
energy lithium-ion chassis idle mitigation and battery backup
system, significantly reducing both ambient noise and vibration
during idle periods and provides backup power in case of a chassis
failure. Additionally, the ambulance incorporates noise-reducing
insulation to mitigate the effects of lights and sirens, along with
ear muffs to provide an extra layer of sound insulation. Dimmer
lighting creates a calmer atmosphere, complemented by soothing
illuminated stars and a sky view mural on the ceiling. Sensory
strips along the handrail help the patients to hold onto something,
while fidget spinner distraction items and safety signal cards
cater to nonverbal patients. A vertical bubble machine enhances
relaxation, accompanied by the comfort of weighted blankets, among
other thoughtful amenities. Together, these elements work
harmoniously to minimize anxiety and facilitate a smooth transition
to the hospital.
"When the Golisano Children’s Transport Team approached Frazer
with the idea of a sensory-friendly transport vehicle, the
alignment of values and vision was evident," said Adam Fischer,
Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Frazer. "At Frazer, our
purpose is to 'Unleash Our Potential.' We see beyond the
traditional boundaries of emergency vehicle building and strive to
make a tangible difference in pre-hospital care. This project
resonated deeply with our commitment to Define the Future of Mobile
Healthcare and we are so thrilled to see it come to fruition for
the Southwest Florida community and beyond."
Support for patients and families with autism extends throughout
the Golisano system into Collier County with the addition of a
sensory room at the Golisano Children’s Health Center, at 3361 Pine
Ridge Rd., suite 201, in Naples.
The new sensory room helps put patients and families at ease
during stressful situations by assisting patients with a variety of
sensory disorders, such as autism, sensory modulation disorder and
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The sensory space
can be lightened or darkened based on specific patient needs, and
the team can utilize engaging tools like the bubble tube, fiber
optic light strands, dynamic seating options and a variety of
therapeutic sensory integration products to help children cope with
their environment. Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers has
six dedicated sensory rooms across inpatient and outpatient areas
including the emergency department, inpatient units and the
Pediatric Procedural Sedation Center.
Golisano Children’s Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network
Hospital. Funds from Children’s Miracle Network help make possible
programs like SEA STAR and advanced equipment.
To learn more about Golisano Children’s Hospital and how it
supports patients with ASD and other sensory disorders, please
visit www.leehealth.org.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, a nationally
recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five
acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994,
Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest
Florida, with over 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six
surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by
Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network hospital, an Asthma
Friendly Hospital and a certified center for children with Autism,
Golisano offers over thirty specialty pediatric services in various
locations across SWFL. Lee Health opened the current hospital
building in May 2017, which includes 135-beds and comprehensive
neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit
GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
About IBCCES
Committed to providing The Global Standard for Training and
Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides
a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders
in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they
serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the
leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of
autism and other cognitive disorders.
- Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida announces SEA
STAR program
- Children at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida
testing out new ambulance
Jaclyn Bevis
Lee Health
317-809-1705
jaclyn.bevis@leehealth.org