Pictured from left, Bob Robertson, senior director of Logistics, Jill Shultz, chief nursing officer, David Hughes, CEO and president, and Sherri Richmond, administrative director of the Emergency Department, Pediatrics and Respiratory, stand in Shore Medical Center’s newly opened adult sensory-friendly emergency room. (Photo courtesy of Shore Medical Center)
Shore Medical Center on Monday announced the opening of its new adult sensory-friendly emergency department program, offering a calming and supportive environment for neurodiverse adult patients, including those with autism.
This milestone builds on Shore’s successful Pediatric Sensory-Friendly Program launched in 2021 and is made possible by a generous $20,000 grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation, the Somers Point hospital said in a news release.
The new adult sensory-friendly room, located in Shore’s main emergency department, is the first of its kind in southern New Jersey and is designed to minimize common sensory triggers, including bright lights, loud noises and visual clutter.
The fully enclosed room features soft lighting, muted wall colors, neutral flooring, and a sliding glass door to reduce noise. Equipment is concealed in cabinets, and the space is stocked with fidget tools and sensory items to help calm and comfort patients during care.
“Since 2021, our Pediatric Sensory-Friendly Program has been life-changing for families in South Jersey,” said Sherri Richmond, administrative director of Emergency Services. “We’re thrilled to extend this level of care to adults now.”
“We know that for many neurodiverse patients and their caregivers, a trip to the ER can be overwhelming, and they may even avoid coming in due to the anticipated stress. This space lets families know we understand their needs and they can feel confident coming to us for help,” Richmond added.
Caregivers are strongly encouraged to call ahead to the ER Clinical Supervisor at 609-653-3558 to notify them they are on their way. Calling ahead helps staff prepare for each patient’s unique needs.
According to Autism NJ, people on the autism spectrum experience significantly more emergency department visits than the general population. Research shows emergency department visits are twice as high for adults with autism compared to those without.
The emergency room is already a high-stress environment, but for those with autism, the stress can be overwhelming due to sensory overload, unexpected interactions, and communication challenges, according to the news release.
To ensure the program truly reflects the needs of the neurodiverse community, Shore established a Community Advisory Committee comprising local families and disability advocacy organizations. Their input played a key role in shaping the program’s development.
Shore also maintained its strong partnership with the Atlantic County Special Services School District to assist with program design and deliver targeted staff training.
“At Shore, we’re committed to removing obstacles to care,” Richmond said. “Whether you’re 8 or 80, you deserve a safe and welcoming place to get the treatment you need.”
