Advancing Autism Care: Golisano Children’s Hospital is Leading the Way

April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time to raise awareness of autism, but also to promote acceptance, celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, and advance inclusivity.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition with no single known cause. It affects individuals differently, with a progression of symptoms unique to each person. ASD is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with over 7 million individuals diagnosed nationwide, according to the Autism Society. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life.

Meeting a Local Need for Specialized Pediatric Care

With approximately 1 in 36 children diagnosed with ASD and research indicating that 1 in 6 children experience sensory sensitivity or processing difficulties, the need for specialized care is evident. Additionally, more than 11,000 students in Lee County receive Special Education Services. Recognizing this demand, Golisano Children’s Hospital pursued and, in 2024, achieved designation as a Certified Autism Center™. This milestone makes it the second hospital in the country and the first in Florida to receive the designation.

The Certified Autism Center™ status required the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) training and certification of at least 80% of the hospital’s public-facing staff in autism and sensory differences. This ensures a well-trained team capable of providing specialized, compassionate care for individuals with autism and those with sensory sensitivities.

Expanding Sensory-Friendly Initiatives

In addition to earning the Certified Autism Center™ designation, Golisano Children’s Hospital has introduced several innovative programs to support children with autism and their families:

• A Sensory-Friendly Ambulance: A specially designed vehicle to provide a more comfortable transport experience for children with autism and those with sensory challenges. Golisano Children’s Hospital was the first in country to debut this specially designed ambulance.
• SEA STAR Program: SEA STAR stands for Safety Education Awareness & Sensory Training - Autism Readiness. This first-of-its-kind initiative identifies and enhances sensory-friendly spaces throughout the hospital.
• Sensory Rooms: With support from Children’s Miracle Network funds, Golisano Children’s Hospital and its partners now offer 10 sensory rooms across the region. These spaces feature adjustable lighting, bubble tubes, fiber optic light strands, dynamic seating options and other therapeutic tools to accommodate diverse sensory needs.

Autism Navigators: A Lifeline for Families

To further support families, Golisano Children’s Hospital, in partnership with the Naples Children & Education Foundation, employs autism navigators. These professionals provide essential guidance and case management, helping families access care and resources at no cost, regardless of whether the child is a hospital patient.

Autism navigators also collaborate with community organizations to offer parent training, coping strategies and support groups, fostering a network of assistance and education.

A Commitment to Inclusive Care

Those living with autism have unique ways of learning, communicating and interacting with the world. By achieving Certified Autism Center™ status and continuing to expand the SEA STAR Program, Golisano Children’s Hospital has demonstrated—and continues to show our community and beyond—its unwavering commitment to providing knowledgeable, inclusive and compassionate care.