Management of critical care emergencies in children with autism spectrum disorder

Table 11 Post-emergency follow-up protocols for children with autism spectrum disorder in the emergency setting¹

Protocol component	Guidelines
Immediate post-emergency care
Observation and monitoring	Monitor vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition immediately after the emergency event
	Ensure a calm and supportive environment to aid recovery
Reassurance and comfort	Provide reassurance to the child using simple language and visual aids
	Allow the child to have familiar comfort items
Caregiver presence	Encourage the presence of caregivers to provide emotional support and continuity of care
Discharge planning
Clear instructions	Provide clear and simple discharge instructions to caregivers, both verbally and in written form
Medication management	Explain any medications prescribed, including dosages, administration times, and potential side effects
Follow-up appointments	Schedule follow-up appointments with relevant healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians or specialists
Emergency plan	Develop an emergency plan for future incidents, including contact information and steps to take
Ongoing monitoring and support
Regular check-ins	Conduct regular follow-up calls or visits to monitor the child’s progress and address any concerns
Behavioral and emotional support	Provide behavioral and emotional support resources, including referrals to therapists or counselors
Nutritional support	Ensure the child’s nutritional needs are being met post-emergency, including any dietary restrictions or preferences
Caregiver education and resources
Education on ASD-specific needs	Educate caregivers on the unique needs of children with ASD, particularly in relation to post-emergency care
Resource provision	Provide information on support groups, community resources, and educational materials related to ASD
Multidisciplinary follow-up
Team coordination	Ensure coordination among all healthcare team members, including pediatricians, specialists, and therapists
Communication	Maintain open lines of communication among healthcare providers to share updates and coordinate care plans
Documentation
Detailed records	Document all aspects of the post-emergency follow-up, including observations, caregiver interactions, and interventions
Care plan updates	Regularly update the child’s care plan to reflect progress, changes in condition, and any new recommendations
Feedback and continuous improvement
Caregiver feedback	Solicit feedback from caregivers on the effectiveness of the care and follow-up provided
Quality improvement	Use feedback and outcomes data to continuously improve emergency care and follow-up protocols for children with ASD

¹This table format provides a structured approach to post-emergency follow-up for children with autism spectrum disorder, ensuring that all critical components are addressed comprehensively.

ASD: Autism spectrum disorder.