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Autism Services

Doctor’s visits can feel overwhelming for many children and even some adults. Social and sensory challenges can add to an already anxious experience for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. At eMedical Urgent Care, we offer comprehensive autism services and communications to help make your next medical visit a little easier.

Compassionate Urgent Care Communications for Patients with Autism

Autism now affects one in every 68 children and is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S.

eMedical Urgent Care has the services to help.

Our autism-friendly urgent care staff specializes in specific communication techniques for patients with autism. Although symptoms of autism may include difficulties with social interaction, communication and eye contact, we realize that every child on the autism spectrum has their own unique challenges and each family’s experience will require a different approach.

That is why we take the extra time to ensure we’re going at the right pace for your child. Our staff will adjust communication styles throughout the appointment to avoid heightening anxiety.

Customized Autism-Friendly Urgent Care Exam Room

The eMedical Urgent Care autism-friendly exam room is located away from the bright lights and frantic pace of the nurses’ station. Each room is equipped with iPads that have customized apps to help staff communicate with verbally impaired patients. This technology not only helps us learn the reason why the patient requires care and determine their discomfort levels, but also helps alleviate the patient’s fear by allowing them to better understand what they can expect during the visit.

Sensory boxes are also available and filled with toys and games (that they get to take home). Comforters like these can help enable autistic patients to better deal with fear, stress or boredom and reduce tactile discomfort.

Prepare for Your Visit

As a parent, you can help make your child’s next medical visit a more pleasant one with the right preparation. Prior to your visit, talk with your child about what to expect (for example, a cold stethoscope) and review simple directions such as “say ha” or “look at the light.” You may wish to set up pretend play to practice the doctor’s visit. Include things a doctor may do such as use a blood pressure cuff, tap on the knees and look in the eyes.

Although we welcome walk-in visits, if possible, call in advance to notify the office of anything specific to your situation. Remember to also bring a list of medications (including vitamins), notes about any symptoms and a list of questions.

Autism Services to Support Your Family

We understand that urgent care visits can be stressful for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. But with the right planning, preparation and patience, your experience will go much smoother.

eMedical Urgent Care has locations in Berkeley Heights and Middletown. So, when your primary care physician may not be available, both of our centers offer complete urgent care autism services, lab and X-ray services. Our staff is comprised of highly trained, board-certified emergency medicine physicians and urgent-care trained physicians so you’re sure to receive the same quality care you’d receive at an emergency room — without the long wait and expense.

Contact our location in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 908.464.6700, or Middletown, New Jersey 732.957.0707: both of our offices are open 7 days week, 365 days a year.