As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Alyssa Bostwick understands some of the stresses that can bring. “I know the feeling that comes up when you have to take that child out of the home, when you have to take them to the hospital or you have to take them to the grocery store, because they are unique, and they behave uniquely, and they have unique needs, and the world around us doesn't necessarily understand that. And so that creates a lot of anxiety for the parent, and a lot of fear, and it's uncomfortable.”

She wants parents in our community to feel at ease, because Golisano Children’s Hospital has been designated as the first Certified Autism Center in Florida. More than 80% of Golisano’s team members underwent training and certification to enhance their understanding of autism, communication techniques and patient safety. “As a healthcare professional in your training, you don't receive much education or training on the care of patients with sensory disorders or autism spectrum. And so this education provides very focused education on how to meet the needs of that patient and that family,” said Bostwick.

Golisano also introduced a first of its kind sensoryfriendly ambulance. “The lights and sirens outside of that cab, you can't really hear them when you're inside. And so when the child goes into the cab of that ambulance, the lights are dim. The lighting is not overstimulating. And then you can't hear what's going on outside. It's incredible.”

Bostwick said one in six kids have unique specialized needs due to their sensory disorder. “We have to be able to meet the unique needs of this patient population because it is growing and our community is growing.” Golisano Children’s Hospital is only the second full facility in the world to receive this designation.


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