First in Israel

The Sanz Medical Center – Laniado Hospital, in partnership with ALUT – The Israeli Society for Autistic Children and Adults, has launched Israel's first autism-accessible, trauma-informed Pediatric Emergency Department, setting a new national standard for emergency care for children with autism and other special needs.

The initiative combines specialized staff training, sensory-adapted treatment spaces, innovative family support tools, and ongoing clinical research to improve the emergency care experience for children and their families.

Children with autism are significantly more likely to require emergency medical care, yet emergency departments can be particularly overwhelming because of bright lights, loud noises, unfamiliar procedures, and communication challenges. Recognizing these barriers, Laniado and ALUT developed a comprehensive model that addresses both the physical environment and the way care is delivered.

Emergency department physicians, nurses, and staff received advanced training in autism awareness, trauma-informed care, pain assessment, communication strategies, and techniques for reducing anxiety and preventing escalation. Families will also benefit from a new mobile application, "The Family's Emergency Department Journey," currently under development, which will help prepare parents and children for their visit while providing guidance and support throughout the emergency care process.

A highlight of the initiative is the creation of a dedicated Snoezelen sensory treatment room, designed to reduce stress and sensory overload. The room features sound insulation, adjustable lighting, calming sensory elements, noise-canceling headphones, and treatment options that include both a conventional examination bed and a heated waterbed. Virtual reality technology and enhanced pain-management techniques further help reduce fear and anxiety during medical procedures.

The project is supported by Teva Pharmaceuticals, which is helping fund staff education, digital clinical resources, and an accompanying research study conducted jointly by Laniado Hospital, ALUT, and Tel Aviv University. The research will evaluate patient and family experiences, staff outcomes, and the effectiveness of the new care model.

"This initiative reflects our commitment to providing every child with compassionate, individualized care," said Nadav Chen, CEO of the Sanz Medical Center – Laniado Hospital. "By creating an environment that recognizes the unique needs of children with autism and other special needs, we are improving both the quality of care and the experience of families during some of their most difficult moments."

Laniado Hospital hopes this pioneering model will serve as a blueprint for pediatric emergency departments throughout Israel, ensuring that children with autism receive the understanding, dignity, and specialized care they deserve.

This groundbreaking initiative reflects Laniado Hospital's enduring commitment to treating every child with compassion, dignity, and excellence. By creating an emergency department that recognizes the unique needs of children with autism and other special needs, Laniado is once again setting a new standard for patient-centered care in Israel.