Reducing Sensory Overstimulation in Emergency Departments: Strategies from Autistic Adults and Caregivers

This qualitative study collected input from 44 autistic adults and caregivers of autistic children about sensory challenges during emergency department visits and practical accommodations across visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, and proprioceptive domains. Key findings emphasize that clinicians should ask patients about sensory preferences before providing care, and implement evidence-based sensory-friendly design strategies to reduce escalation of care.