As autism diagnoses climb, Miramar nurses adapt approach. How they’re responding
Nurses at Memorial Hospital Miramar have seen an uptick in autism diagnoses since the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s not the only hospital to experience this increase. CDC data shows 1 in 44 8-year-olds were diagnosed in 2018, compared with 1 in 31 in 2022. Awareness also rises each April during Autism Awareness Month.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Miramar takes care of pediatric patients during emergencies, and nurses, including Rachel Murphy and Nurse Manager Maria Ella DeJuan, are certified in caring for patients with autism.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to conditions characterized by challenges with social communication and repetitive or restrictive behaviors or thinking.
“What struck me most wasn’t just the clinical needs, but the discomfort and hesitation among us caregivers including myself,” DeJuan said in an interview with the Miramar News.
That was her turning point.
Now, the entire pediatric emergency department is certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. That means when they provide services to individuals with autism, they are up to date on best practices and research, and incorporate that updated knowledge into their professional practice.
DeJuan said it takes at least four hours of training and up to two months of studying to pass the certification test.
When staff do not pay attention to autism diagnoses, “The patients suffer because we ignore the basic needs alone,” she continued.
With the support of administration and the IBCCES, children with autism are treated at their level, and the focus remains on patient safety and awareness.
“This is also a reminder to all of us that change doesn’t always come in sweeping gestures. It begins with awareness and is also followed by action. And it takes a community,” DeJuan said.
The pediatric emergency department keeps things calm by dimming the lights, bringing machines to the patient instead of constantly moving them around, providing toys and building trust.
Nurses also provide a sensory cart with more tools that keep kids calm.
“That little squishy ball that they pick out makes such a difference,” Murphy said.
The nurse, who has an autistic 7-year-old daughter, said that the way she talks to children and parents matters the most.
She wants them to know that she is not there to inconvenience them, but to help.
And as a mom, she has shared emotional moments with parents: “Being an autism mom, it’s stressful, right? How are they going to view me? I love speaking with the parents because I just want them to know that they’re not alone.”
As much as possible, the pediatric emergency department tries to keep one nurse to a patient.
“If the patient’s not comfortable with you, you’re not going to be comfortable with the patient,” Murphy said.
There are changes in care down to administering medication.
“We’re not here to open up your mouth and shove it in your mouth, right? We’re here, if you need 30 minutes to drink it, you can drink it,” Murphy said.
The pediatric emergency department sets itself apart with the certification, and at most times 100% of staff are certified. EDs that are autism certified through IBCCES have at least 80% of patient-facing staff complete training. Three Memorial Hospital Miramar physicians are certified as well.
“We give compassionate care. … And we listen. We really listen to the parent’s concern,” DeJuan said.
