Children with Sensory Motor Disorders: Parents' Perspectives of Their Children's Coping Skills and Styles when Experiencing the Emergency Room or Hospitalization

Abstract

This poster examines several published articles that report on the experiences of children with sensory motor disorders in hospitals (in-patient) and in the emergency room (emergent/outpatient/emergency department). These articles vary in their use and definition of the term “sensory motor disorder”. First, Johnson and Rodriguez (2013) explore the behaviors of hospitalized children with autism spectrum disorder and the challenges that many health care providers may face. Muskat and Riosa (2015) conducted a qualitative research analysis on the challenges for patients with autism spectrum disorder and their families in an acute hospital setting. Furthermore, Wilson and Peterson (2018) discuss the previous healthcare experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents. Finally, Chinawa and Odetunde (2014) studied the experiences of Nigerian parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in outpatient clinics. Currently, the general consensus among researchers is that there are few provisions made to differentiate the process according to the needs of children with sensory motor disorders. The research indicates that, in the future, more education of medical staff and accommodations for the patients should be given to aid in the provision of a successful healthcare experience.  Keywords: Hospitalization, In-patient setting, Out-patient setting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Motor Disorder"