Laniado Hospital in Netanya has launched Israel’s first autism-friendly paediatric emergency department, featuring sensory treatment rooms and specialised staff training to better support children with autism and developmental disabilities during emergencies.
Laniado Hospital in Netanya has opened what it says is Israel’s first autism-friendly paediatric emergency department, in a project developed with ALUT, the Israeli Society for Children and Adults with Autism. The initiative is aimed at children with autism and other developmental disabilities, for whom the noise, glare and unpredictability of an emergency room can be especially distressing.
At the heart of the redesign is a sensory treatment room built to reduce overload. The space includes acoustic insulation, adjustable lighting, calming visual elements, noise-cancelling headphones and two treatment options: a standard medical bed and a heated waterbed. The hospital also says it will use distraction methods such as virtual reality headsets when children need procedures, along with local anaesthesia or mild sedation where appropriate to ease pain and anxiety.
Dedi Attas, chief executive of ALUT, said parents play a crucial role because they understand how their child communicates, what helps them settle and what may trigger distress. He said that in emergency care, listening to families is not optional but central to good treatment. ALUT, founded in 1974, says it works to improve inclusion and quality of life for people with autism across Israel and supports tens of thousands of families.
Staff at the paediatric emergency department have completed training in autism awareness, trauma-informed care, pain management, recognising signs of distress, de-escalation and communication with children and families. Laniado says future stages include an online clinical protocol, a pain assessment tool for children with communication difficulties and a structured autism training module for new staff. The hospital is also working with ALUT and the digital health company Ma Shlomi? on a mobile application to help parents prepare before arrival and navigate the visit, while researchers will study patient experience, staff confidence and clinical outcomes to judge whether the model can be expanded elsewhere in Israel. Nadav Chen, Laniado’s chief executive, said the project reflects a commitment to emergency care delivered with dignity, compassion and respect.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
