Opportunities for the new National Children’s Hospital to be ‘neurodiversity-friendly’

Congratulations to UCD School of Medicine’s Dr Laura Bond, Associate Prof Timothy Frawley, Dr Kieran Moore, Associate Prof Blánaid Gavin and Professor Fiona McNicholas on their recently published paper, Challenges for neurodiverse children in acute medical hospitals and opportunities for the new National Children’s Hospital to be ‘neurodiversity-friendly’.

Abstract

Neurodiversity refers to the variation in human cognitive, sensory, and communication experiences and reframes deficits as differences. Rates and duration of hospitalisation in neurodiverse children are higher compared to their neurotypical peers. Despite increased admissions, paediatric medical hospitals are poorly equipped to adequately support their unique cognitive, sensory, behavioural, and communication needs, which can have negative impacts on the experiences of patients, families, and staff. The literature supports several innovative and inclusive strategies, which present exciting opportunities for Ireland’s new National Children’s Hospital (NCH) to become a ‘neurodiversity-friendly paediatric hospital’.

UCD School of Medicine alumnus and Paediatric Nephrologist, Associate Prof Cathy Quinlan, highlights her key takeaways:

• Sensory-friendly environments: Simple changes like dimmable lights, sensory toolkits, and designated quiet spaces can dramatically reduce overstimulation for neurodiverse children.
• Staff training is essential: Education on effective communication and neurodiverse care improves staff confidence and reduces misinterpretation of behaviours.
• Inclusive planning: Initiatives like healthcare passports, pre-admission checklists, and social stories ease transitions and improve the overall experience for families.
  This vision for a neurodiversity-friendly hospital offers lessons for all healthcare settings.

Read the full paper published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science, here.