From the editor
As April draws to an end and we move forward into May, our focus turns to Mother’s Day. But I find myself still thinking about April — Autism Awareness Month.
This week, I attended the PR Council of Greater Atlantic City luncheon, which focused on autism acceptance and care. Keynote speakers Brian Cahill and Sherri Richmond showed how they are making advances in care for those on the autism spectrum at Shore Medical Center. The hospital now offers sensory-friendly care for patients on the autism spectrum. This gives children and adults the accommodations they need to get through an emergency room visit, blood draw or other medical test.
Those on the autism spectrum often experience sensory integration challenges, causing sensitivities to sounds, sights, touch, smells and taste. This can lead to a great deal of anxiety and stress. That, coupled with an already stressful situation that brought them to the hospital in the first place, can put them into crisis mode. This is commonly referred to as a “meltdown.” We now know this is not bad behavior. It is not a child, teen or even an adult giving someone a hard time. Rather, it is the individual with autism having a hard time — an inability to cope with their surroundings or situation.
With some simple modifications, stress levels can be reduced. Shore Medical Center is doing a remarkable job of just that. Allowing parents to complete registration over the phone in advance, offering fidget tools, bypassing the busy waiting room, dimming the lights, noise reduction — these are just some of the techniques that make a meaningful difference.
As I listened to the presentation, I have to admit it felt bittersweet. On one hand, it reflected everything we wished and advocated for in the early 2000s — changes that were often met then with blank stares and closed doors. I couldn’t help but think back to the challenges my son faced, especially during medical visits. In many ways, progress over the past 20 years has been significant. But are we there yet? Do individuals with autism and their families have what they truly need to succeed — or even navigate daily life? Not yet. There is still more work to be done.
Shore Medical Center is setting an important standard. The question now is whether others will follow — whether they will make the small but impactful adjustments that can help a family navigate what can otherwise become an overwhelming experience.
One of my most difficult experiences with my son took place at the DMV. And yes, I know — that’s something many people can relate to. But this was different. He needed a non-driver ID, and despite polite requests and clear explanations, we were unable to secure even minimal accommodations. What should have been a routine task quickly escalated into a full meltdown.
Experiences like that are a reminder that while progress has been made, gaps still exist. There are still places that do not fully understand — or, at times, are not willing to try. For families, that can feel isolating.
That reality is part of what led Bob and me to found Heart of Surfing 12 years ago. What started as a way to support our son has grown into a volunteer-driven nonprofit offering adaptive surfing, skateboarding, roller-skating and other recreational opportunities for families affected by autism. Beyond the activities themselves, the impact has been something deeper — connection. Community. A sense of belonging.
There’s a saying: If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. Each individual is unique. But after working with thousands of participants, one common thread continues to stand out — anxiety. That anxiety looks different for everyone, but it is something we aim to meet with understanding. Our goal is simple: to meet each child where they are and create an environment that is calm, supportive and positive.
We began this journey for our son. Though we lost him in 2020, his influence continues to guide everything we do. Carrying that forward is both our responsibility and purpose.
As a volunteer-driven organization, we hear time and again how meaningful it is to help others. As a community, we are stronger when we show up for one another.
For more information about Shore Medical Center’s sensory-friendly services, visit shoremedicalcenter.org or call 609-653-3725
For more information about Heart of Surfing, please visit HeartofSurfing.org or call 609-705-5323.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
