New York’s Columbia Memorial Hospital Opens Autism-Friendly Pediatric Care Room In Emergency Department

New York’s Columbia Memorial Hospital emergency department opened an autism-friendly pediatric care room in mid-December, 2014. The room is designed to help doctors and patients communicate better and ensure the best treatment and care. The room was funded by raising $80,000 at the Columbia Memorial Hospital Ball.

As part of the room, children receive "soothing" toys, including a teddy bear to help them cope during medical emergencies. The room is also child sized with comfortable décor, that features sensory toys, weighted blankets, a flat screen TV, and iPads with assistive communication apps. The iPads help . . .