By Steffen Klenk
Shore Medical Center in Somers Point has been making it easier for patients with autism and sensory processing disorders to get care in a welcoming environment. This further advances Shore Medical Center’s commitment to inclusive, compassionate care for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. The hospital officially unveiled its sensory-friendly outpatient lab on Monday, April 28.
This innovative program offers a calming, supportive environment where patients can receive essential bloodwork and testing with minimal stress. The new testing room is designed specifically with the autism population in mind, ensuring that patients receive bloodwork and testing without excessive noise and lighting. The lab is equipped with a vibroacoustic lounger, a sensory projector, busy board panels, white noise machine, sensory-friendly toys, and smart TV for easy distraction.
The program comes to Shore Medical Center thanks to the support of Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood. In 2009, Monichetti founded the annual Run Walk for Autism, an event that attracts more than 4,000 people to the Sea Isle promenade, including, in recent years, former Eagles center Jason Kelce. He and his wife, Jeannie, have two adult children on the spectrum. “When I started this 18 years ago, you didn’t hear much about autism at the Jersey Shore,” said Monichetti.
Since launching the event, the Run Walk for Autism has raised over $1 million for local schools, nonprofits, and families in our community. “Every day, I’m grateful for what I have and I’m grateful that I can help someone with disabilities,” he said. Monichetti hopes to see more hospitals adopt sensory friendly initiatives and raise more money. “I’m not done yet. I’m certainly not done yet.”
The outpatient lab is just one of several sensory-friendly initiatives launched at Shore Medical Center. Three years ago, the hospital launched an emergency pediatric care center for individuals with autism and sensory processing disorders. The emergency room is equipped with specialized communication tools, sound machines, and floor decals, providing a calm environment and making the hospital visit less scary for patients in need. “It really makes a difference in people’s lives”, says CEO David Hughes.
In 2024 alone, the sensory-friendly pediatric department saw 260 patients. According to Sherri Richmond, Director of Emergency Services, that number is up from the 110 children seen before the program’s launch. “I would expect that 2025 will be greater than that number,” she said.
To create the most caring and compassionate environment possible, the staff at Shore are provided with expert training from Atlantic County Special Services School District. Jen Cruickshank is a member of the school’s Child Study Team. She and the team at Special Services provide the most comprehensive training and tools with the goal of increasing the number of positive outcomes. “We know in the ER, time is of the essence. It can take a second for a situation to go from positive to negative,” said Cruickshank.
To better serve the needs of the region’s rising autism population, Shore Medical Center is set to open a new sensory care room designed specifically for adults within the Emergency Department. The room will feature many components designed to ease anxiety and minimize distractions, while ensuring patient comfort during the duration of their stay. More details are set to follow.
To schedule an appointment for outpatient lab testing, please call Shore Medical Center at 609-653-3737.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
