Updated: Friday, December 19 2014, 07:34 PM EST
Rochester, N.Y. -- A doctor's visit isn't always pleasant. But for children with Autism, that experience can become overwhelming.
A new, one of a kind pediatric clinic is being dedicated to children with Autism. The Golisano Children's Hospital received a major gift to help build the new facility.
The William and Mildred Levine Foundation donated $1 million to the center.
Dr. Susan Hyman, of the URMC, says more than 500 new Autism Spectrum Disorders diagnosis were made through UR Medicine's Golisano Children's Hospital in the past year. That number is growing, and the new center will cater to their specific needs.
"When you have a child with a disability like autism the smallest activities can be really challenging," says Rachel Rosner, member director at AutismUp and mother of two children with Autism. "When you have a child with autism you visit the doctor a lot more than families with typical developing children."
That's because they have different sensory needs.
"Children with Autism are overwhelmed by sound or may get fixated on certain patterns - who become overwhelmed with the proximity coming and going through the same doorway or the noise," says Dr. Hyman.
The new center would provide more welcoming lighting, less distracting exam rooms and a play area with "touch down spots" where kids who are having difficulties can calm themselves. The design is geared to eliminate any disruptions for patients, which can be frustrating for both parent and child.
"Knowing that the space itself has been designed to accommodate the needs of families with autism is just one more thing I can check off my list that I won't have to worry about on a regular basis," Rosner says.
Read more from the original source:
Golisano Hospital receives major gift for Autism clinic