ASD in the ED

Allies in Care - Supporting Families of Autistic Patients

In this episode, we focus on the families and carers accompanying autistic patients into the emergency department. For many, the ED is not just stressful—it’s overwhelming, exhausting, and sometimes even traumatic. And while we often focus on the individual patient, the reality is that we’re caring for a family unit. We explore parents’ and carers' emotional load, especially when advocating for their loved ones in a busy, unfamiliar, and sometimes unaccommodating system. We discuss their challenges—being dismissed, not listened to, or blamed for behaviours their loved one can’t control—and how these experiences can affect trust and engagement. We offer strategies for supporting families effectively: listening without judgement, valuing their expertise, offering reassurance, and involving them as partners in care. We also explore the importance of empathy, transparency, and small gestures that build connection in moments of chaos. This episode is about recognising that when we care for a patient with autism, we’re also caring for the people who know them best. Supporting families isn’t just kind—it’s clinically essential.