Dear Healthcare Professional,
  
The Education Subcommittee of the North Shore-LIJ Health System Autism Steering Committee has recently completed work on its first educational initiative.  “Your Next Patient Has Autism ...” is a trifold brochure developed for the many health professionals – nurses, physicians, technicians and others – who provide services for children on the autism spectrum. It is especially designed for those who only occasionally treat this population. Physical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and a variety of other interventions – both invasive and non-invasive – may induce fear and anxiety in people with autism.  Their behavioral responses to such experiences often interfere with needed care and increase the risk of physical and/or psychological trauma. “Your Next Patient Has Autism ...” provides caregivers with a brief synopsis of autism together with specific recommendations for managing the special needs of these patients in the context of in-patient or out-patient healthcare. 
  
Please review this document at your earliest opportunity.  It is our hope that “Your Next Patient Has Autism ...” stimulates discussion among your colleagues, assists you in proactive planning for the care of patients with autism and other related disabilities, and is helpful to you in providing the excellent, compassionate care that is emblematic of the North Shore–LIJ Health System. 

Kind regards,

Michael B Grosso, MD, FAAP
Co-Chair, Autism Education Subcommittee