Adapting Pediatric Emergency Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who attend pediatric emergency services face challenges related to their sensory, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics. This study explored the perceptions of healthcare professionals and parents regarding the need to implement adaptations, particularly a sensory-adapted room, for children with ASD in pediatric emergency departments. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews (October–December 2024) until data saturation. Participants included healthcare professionals and parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Intentional coding and co-occurrence analysis were performed using Atlas.ti (version 25.0.1). The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (code: 204-458-1). Results: Eighteen informants participated (10 professionals and 8 parents). Professionals’ interviews revealed three themes and eight subthemes: Professional Training (approach strategies; training received; perceived needs), Hospital Environment (resource allocation; infrastructure; perceived needs during the emergency visit), and Emotional Aspects (emotional experience related to patient care; professionals’ personal perceptions). Parents’ interviews yielded four themes and ten subthemes: Professional Training (perceptions of staff training; demonstrated emotional competencies; socioemotional relationships during care), Hospital Environment (infrastructure; perceived needs during emergency visits), Emotional Aspects (families’ experiences; emotions during care), and ASD (diagnostic characteristics; children’s needs; sensory regulation). Conclusions: Pediatric emergency services should be adapted to better meet the needs of children with ASD. Both healthcare professionals and parents recognize the importance of such adaptations, particularly sensory-adapted spaces. The main barriers identified were a lack of professional training, inadequate hospital environments, and stress affecting both patients and provider. Priority measures include continuous ASD-specific training programs, improvements in sensory infrastructure, and more flexible clinical protocols, advancing toward a more inclusive and comprehensive model of care.