SEA STAR Program Celebrates One Year of Transforming Care for Children with Sensory Needs

In April 2024, Lee Health Golisano Children's Hospital launched a first-of-its-kind program to support patient care for pediatric patients with Autism Spectrum and Sensory Disorders (ASD).

The SEA STAR Program, which stands for Safety Education Awareness, Sensory Training – Autism Readiness, included the hospital’s certification as the first Certified Autism Center in Florida. 

Now, coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month, the unique program celebrates one year of providing specialized care for children with ASD and sensory sensitivities. 

Filling the growing need for specialized pediatric care

“In every shift I work, I see at least one child that's on the spectrum,” says Dr. Alfredo Vargas, emergency room physician at Golisano. “They're unique in the way you have to approach them, the way you have to manage them, because they're going to have limitations in how they communicate, how they interact."

The need for specialized pediatric care is significant and expanding, research shows:

• Nearly 100,000 children are in the School District of Lee County, many of whom require specialized care
• 1 in 6 children experiences sensory sensitivity, or sensory processing difficulties. A child with sensory processing difficulties can be overresponsive or underresponsive to a particular sensory input
• Over 11,000 students in Lee County receive Special Education Services

Another first: A sensory-friendly ambulance ensures safe and comfortable transportation

Golisano also became the first hospital in Florida to debut a sensory-friendly ambulance, specially designed to accommodate the unique needs of children with sensory sensitivities.

"Ambulances, in general, can be pretty scary. Just being sick as a child is scary. And then, if you have to go into an ambulance, it’s loud, the lights are very bright, and it's a very strange environment,” says Dr. Emad Salman, Chief Physician Executive of Children's Services. “We try to make this as friendly as possible.”

The sensory-friendly ambulance includes features, such as:

• Soundproof cab to minimize the noise from lights and sirens
• Dimmer lighting, illuminated stars, and a sky view mural on the ceiling
• Tactile sensory strips along handrails to help patients hold onto something
• Fidget spinner distraction items
• Vertical bubble machine to enhance relaxation
• Weighted blankets for comfort and security

"When the child goes into the cab of that ambulance, the lights are dim. The lighting is not overstimulating,” explains Alyssa Bostwick, the hospital’s Chief Nursing and Operations Executive. “And then you can't hear what's going on outside. It's incredible."

For Bostwick, Golisano Hospital’s achievements with SEA STAR Certification and as a Certified Autism Center are personal. As the parent of an autistic child, she understands firsthand the challenges families face.

"As a parent, when you have to leave the safety of your home with an autistic child, I know that feeling in the pit of your stomach because you're scared. And you're worried about what the world is going to think about the uniqueness of the way your child behaves and acts," she says. "When you come to Golisano Children's Hospital, you don't need to have that feeling because we got you."

Comprehensive training for hospital staff

To achieve the Certified Autism Center designation, over 80 percent of the hospital's physicians, nurses, and patient-facing staff underwent specialized training.

Dr. Alexander Ortega, Pediatric Critical Care Physician, emphasizes that the program is "not a piece of equipment. It's not a specific procedure per se, but rather a complete revamping of our mindset and how do we approach the unique needs of every and any child with or without the label of a diagnosis like autism spectrum or any sensory disorders."

He says the comprehensive approach ensures that children with sensory needs receive appropriate care throughout their hospital journey, not just during transportation.

Sensory-friendly spaces extend Sea Star’s healing reach

The SEA STAR Program also includes sensory rooms throughout the hospital. These spaces help put patients and families at ease during stressful situations by:

• Adjustable lighting based on specific patient needs
• Engaging tools like bubble tubes and fiber optic light strands
• Dynamic seating options
• Various therapeutic sensory integration products

Golisano Children's Hospital and its partners now feature a total of 10 sensory rooms throughout the region. This initiative, supported in part by Children's Miracle Network funds, demonstrates Golisano's commitment to meeting the unique needs of all children in our community, especially those who may find traditional healthcare settings challenging.

Donate to the Sea Star Program

The SEA STAR Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital provides sensory-friendly care for children with autism spectrum disorder. Your support strengthens services like specialized training and the sensory-friendly ambulance, ensuring every child receives the individualized comfort and quality care they need.

Donate today!