Poster #48 - Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Medical Settings: Insights from Child Life Specialists

• In Event: 3-206 - Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: PS 13 Section - Developmental Disabilities

Integrative Statement

Children with ASD utilize healthcare more often than their typically developing peers (Liu, Pearl, Kong, Leslie, & Murray, 2017). This increased utilization is due to a variety of factors, such as comorbidities, increased use of medication, deficits in outpatient care, and behavioral issues (Kopecky, Broder-Fingert, Iannuzzi, & Connors 2013; Johnson & Rodriguez, 2013). Medical environments are full of potential triggers for children with ASD, such as changes in routines, unfamiliar people, and potentially painful procedures (Kopecky et. al., 2013). Certified child life specialists (CCLSs) are in an ideal position to help children with autism cope with the stressors of the medical environment. This study aims to gain a broader understanding of CCLSs’ training and preparedness for working with children with ASD in a medical setting. In addition, CCLSs provide insights into best practices and ways to improve the medical experience for children with autism.
This study utilized a mixed-methods design. One hundred twenty CCLSs from throughout the U.S. completed a 35-item online anonymous survey. After responding to questions about their education and work experiences, participants responded to a series of 10-point slider questions asking them about their training and comfort working with children with autism in a medical setting as well as their perceived effectiveness of different strategies for assisting children with ASD cope with medical procedures. Sixteen participants who volunteered and provided contact information completed follow-up, semi-structured phone interviews further exploring their training and experiences working with children with autism in a medical setting as well as their ideas for better meeting the needs of children with autism. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) is in progress.
Table 1 includes sample findings from the survey results while Table 2 provides an initial look at key themes that are emerging from the interview data. Both survey and interview results indicate CCLSs do not feel they received adequate training for working with children with autism and highlighted the need for improved education on working with children with autism in a medical setting. Interview results emphasized the need for improved education for not only CCLSs but medical staff in general. Results from both data sources also found CCLSs are more comfortable working with younger children with autism. Interview data indicated the larger size of older children, particularly those with aggressive tendencies, contributed to less comfort working with adolescents and young adults.
Interview participants emphasized that individual differences of children with autism means there is no one strategy that is most effective for all children; however, in general, working closely with parents to understand each child’s unique triggers and coping strategies, advanced preparation and good communication of the medical team, and having a range of materials and interventions available and ready to use, were identified as best practices for effectively helping children with autism cope in the medical setting. Suggestions for improving the medical experience for children with autism centered on improving education and resource development with specific recommendations to be discussed in the presentation.

Authors

• Emily Jensen, Central Michigan University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Cheryl Geisthardt, Central Michigan University
  Presenting Author