Autism and Emergency Room visit

I was just wondering if there are any other parents out there that have had a negative experience with their local ER in regards to how their child was treated .. we just had a horrific incident with how they handled our son when I was a patient at ours and I am curious if this is the norm.. the PA on duty was physically aggressive with my 6 yr old who is severe/LF and they refuse to do anything.. not even accept educational materials on ASD. I am at a loss and I don't think I am the only person out there who has had to deal with this type of situation. If you have been through something similar, I need a suggested course of action so it doesn't happen to another child..

IannsMom0315, I'm so sorry to hear what a terrible experience you and your son endured in the ER.

I know there are programs throughout the country where first responders (like police and firemen) are being trained to recognize and work with individuals with ASD, but I have not heard of such a program for hospital\ER staff.

However, I did find this document, "Autism: Information for Paramedics and Emergency Room Staff," on the Autism Society of America site: http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/Paramedics_and_Emergency_Room_Staff.pdf?docID=10942

This document is focused on a person with ASD who may have been the victim of a crime, and ended up in the ER that way, but some of the information may apply regardless. In addition, it shows that this concern has been raised before - you are unfortunately not alone in this experience.

I hope other families will share their experiences, both the good and the bad, regarding emergency room visits.

OMG!!! I am so sorry!! Some people are just jerks!! I have thankfully NEVER had a bad ER visit (and there have been MANY) We live near St Paul MN and the childrens hospitals here are great! I just explain about him ahead of time, and let them know what to expect, and what not to do to him...The only bad exp I have really ever had with him was at the dentist...the dental asst pushed him back into the chair to get him to lay down for the dentist and it was all over...I freaked out and screamed at her, and so did the dentist...I had given VERY clear instructions on how to deal with him, and she decided her way was best...stupid girl, lol!! Your child has a right NOT to be mistreated by the medical community, and if I were you, I would make a complaint to the hospital chief of staff about the Dr.