Supporting your child during an emergency department visit
At Rady Children’s Health, we understand that a visit to the emergency department can feel overwhelming, especially for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. As a caregiver, you know your child best and play a vital role in supporting their health, comfort, and wellbeing.
To help make your child’s emergency care experience as smooth and comfortable as possible, the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at Rady Children’s Health has outlined what you and your child can expect before arriving at the pediatric emergency department. As experts in evidence-based care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions, our team understands the unique needs of every child and family. By preparing ahead of time, you can feel more confident, reduce stress, and better navigate an emergency visit when it matters most.
Preparing ahead of time: The “care companion” kit
When your child needs emergency care, your focus is on getting them help as quickly and safely as possible. To best prepare you and your child, we recommend having a “care companion” kit ready ahead of time. Some of these items may include:
- A comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, favorite toy or blanket
- Noise-cancelling headphones, in the event of overstimulation, or headphones for entertainment purposes
- Their favorite snack for after their visit
- List of medication(s)
- Communication device, if applicable
- Sensory support item
- A water bottle
- Book or activities, such as a coloring book and crayons
Before you arrive at the emergency department
Before arriving at the emergency department, consider talking with your child about what they can expect during the visit. Simple, reassuring language can help reduce anxiety and make unfamiliar experiences feel more predictable. For example, you might say:
“We are going to the emergency department so the doctors and nurses can help you feel better. We will park and walk into the hospital together. You may notice bright lights, new sounds, and other people waiting for care. I will stay with you.“
Arrival to the emergency department
Upon arrival, a staff member will be there to assist you and walk you through the check-in and registration process. Patients will be called to the screening desk in order of arrival, unless your child’s condition requires immediate attention.
To help us provide the best possible care, share any information that will help our team better understand and support your child. This may include your child’s preferred communication method (such as words, gestures, sign language, or AAC), sensory sensitivities, calming strategies, signs of pain or distress, safety concerns, medications, allergies, and any comfort items that help them feel safe and regulated.
The more we know about your child’s unique needs, the better we can tailor their care and create a positive experience in the emergency department.
During your time in the emergency department
Once check-in is complete, your child will be called into a triage room. During triage, a nurse will gather important information about your child’s health, including their temperature, heart rate, oxygen levels, pain, and weight. Throughout this process, your child is welcome to use strategies that help them feel comfortable and supported. They may be able to hold a comfort item, wear headphones, sit with you, or ask for breaks.
We also encourage children to communicate their needs in whatever way works best for them. Some children may use spoken words, while others may use an AAC device, communication board, pictures, gestures, signs, or another communication tool. Practicing these skills ahead of time can make it easier for your child to share their needs with their care team. For example, your child may say, sign, point to, or show:
- “It’s too loud.”
- “I need a break.”
- “I need my headphones.”
This helps your child know that their communication matters and allows our team to provide care in a way that best supports their needs.
The waiting game
Following triage, if all treatment rooms are in use, you will be led to the lobby. We understand that waiting can be incredibly challenging, especially when your child may feel overwhelmed in this environment.
To help make this time more manageable, your child is welcome to engage in activities they brought in their care companion kit, such as watch videos with headphones, color, hold a sensory support item, or practice calming breathing techniques.
When your child receives treatment
When you and your child are invited into a treatment room, a member of the care team may ask your child to change into a hospital gown, depending on the reason for their visit and the care they need. Throughout the visit, doctors, nurses, and other team members will explain each step before it happens and help prepare your child for any exams, tests, or procedures. This may include looking in their ears, drawing blood, taking an X-ray, or other medical interventions.
If your child is uncomfortable at any point, you are more than welcome to ask for breaks or let their care team know what helps them feel most supported.
Going home, or staying put
After the doctors have completed their examination, your child may either go home or remain put for additional testing or treatment. Before you leave, a member of our care team will review next steps, answer questions, or provide further instructions for your child’s continued care. Above all, we want to assure you, and your child, that you are in great hands.
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