Views from the Shore
By Brian Cahill
We all have certain moments in time that we can instantly remember for one reason or another. I’ve had some really cool times in my marketing career (limo ride with Don King and Evander Holyfield comes to mind) but I’ve also had moments that are truly significant and often life changing.
One of those moments was the day I met Jen Cruickshank. I was asked to attend a meeting at Shore Medical Center to talk about a plan to bring a sensory friendly program to our pediatric emergency center. Jen, who is the Supervisor of CST, Related Services, & Itinerant Service at the Atlantic County Special Services School District, was joined by Sherri Richmond, Manager of the Emergency Department at Shore Medical Center.
Both Sherri and Jen were extremely passionate about this project and how important it was to have this care available to families in our community. To be honest, at that time I knew very little about Autism or the “Spectrum,” and did not realize the affect that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has on the patient as well as their families.
Both Jen and Sherri explained that a medical emergency can be terrifying for anyone, but especially for a child on the spectrum. Children on the spectrum can respond poorly to sudden changes in routine. They often have sensory issues that make bright lights, loud noises, new odors and physical touch especially traumatic. They may be nonverbal or have other communication issues that make it difficult for the child to convey how something makes them feel. They may also find it difficult to relax in the presence of people they are unfamiliar with. Add to that the sights, sounds, smells and feelings that can come with medical procedures like breathing treatments, needles, medications, machines, emergency and inpatient medical treatment can be a very traumatizing experience.
In such a short time, I had learned so much, and I’ll never forget it. Clearly there was a need to help these patients, and the plan was put into action.
Following an evaluation of Shore’s Pediatric ER and Inpatient unit, Jen and her fellow experts made many recommendations to help improve the healing environment for people with autism. These included a video screen with imagery, a sound machine, textured wall squares, picture books to explain procedures, and more. In addition, the group recommended installing an interaction crocodile board in the hallway to engage children as they walk to their treatment area.
Along with the visual and tactile updates to the Pediatric Care Unit, there would also be a cart full of sensory toys and other tools that a child can play with while in the hospital and then take home – including weighted blankets, which provide familiar comfort.
The program officially began in April 2021, and since that time, it has help many with Autism Spectrum Disorder get the care they need.
“Development and implementation of the sensory room is a pivotal component of care for our patients,” said Richmond. “The sensory room and provided education has further equipped Shore’s Emergency Department with the tools necessary to provide exceptional care. We are very appreciative of the guidance, recommendations and continued support provided by Jen and her team.”
To learn more about the Sensory Friendly Program at Shore Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Center, visit www.shoremedicalcenter.org
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
