Setting the Standard: Autism-Friendly Care at UHealth Jackson Urgent Care
By: Ruelle Champion
Going to an urgent care center can be a stressful experience. For people with autism and families of children on the autism spectrum, that stress can be amplified. It’s why all six UHealth Jackson Urgent Care centers are designated as autism-friendly.
“Every patient on the autism spectrum is different,” said Rohit Chugh, MD, medical director of UHealth Jackson Urgent Care. “That’s why it’s so important that our teams are comprehensively trained and prepared to meet each patient where they are.”
Doctors, nurses, and staff at each center are all specially trained to care for autistic adults and children. UHealth Jackson Urgent Care locations throughout Miami-Dade County also offer safe, calm, and sensory-friendly environments for patients. These separate rooms have bean bag chairs, light dimming capabilities, and options to play soft music to keep a relaxed space.
“We have devices that can project calming lights on the ceiling to help keep patients comfortable while they’re here,” Dr. Chugh said.
The traditional approach to health care is also modified for autistic patients. Staff learn to recognize autism as a spectrum and adapt their communication style accordingly. Sometimes that means asking a caretaker all of the medical questions, and other times it means speaking directly with the patient.
“We train our staff every step of the way, from the front desk to the clinical team, so they know how to communicate and interact in ways that help patients on the spectrum feel at ease,” Dr. Chugh added.
Every step of the patient’s journey matters, and that includes the moments of checking in, waiting, and going home. Autistic patients are offered sensory kits as a way to relieve and regulate stress during their urgent care visit. Kits include a puzzle piece stress ball, a fidget spinner, and a squishy gel pad. Patients and parents can also bring their own comfort items.
“When parents bring their child in, you can almost see the sigh of relief,” Dr. Chugh said. “They realize they’re in a place that can cater to their child and provide thoughtful care.”
With the right tools and high-quality treatment, taking an autistic patient to an urgent care center can be manageable and stress-free for everyone. The autism-friendly designation recognizes UHealth Jackson Urgent Care’s commitment to providing care to a diverse community.
“We want families to know that if someone with autism spectrum disorder needs medical care, they’re welcome here,” Dr. Chugh said.
To learn more about our UHealth Jackson Urgent Care centers or to make an appointment, visit JacksonUrgentCare.com.