Five Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care centers have received an “autism friendly” designation from Autism Speaks, the health system announced.
Northwell Health announced the designation Oct. 8 for five urgent care centers across Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley. They join three previously designated pediatric care centers on Long Island, which became the first urgent care locations in the country to earn the designation from Autism Speaks in 2024.
Which Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care centers are autism friendly?
The five newly designated centers are:
- Syosset
- Yaphank
- Bulls Head
- Wappingers Falls
- LaGrangeville
The three previously designated pediatric centers are:
- Lake Success
- East Northport
- Hewlett
What makes a health care center autism friendly?
Autism Speaks, a national autism research and advocacy organization, says the designation is awarded to organizations that meet established standards for supporting people with autism and their
families.
At least 80% of customer-facing team members must complete specialized training developed by Autism Speaks. The training helps staff address communication barriers and sensory needs that patients may experience.
Northwell Health said its urgent care centers exceeded the training requirement, with many team members motivated by personal connections to the neurodivergent community.
“As a mom of a child with unique medical needs, I understand how frustrating seeking medical care can be. Urgent care centers should be available to serve any patient with an immediate need, regardless of their cognitive, developmental, or physical abilities,” said Dr. Gina Ruocchio, clinical manager of pediatrics for Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care.
“Our goal is to provide accessible, comfortable care for families who may be hesitant to use urgent care, so everyone who walks through our doors feels safe, seen, and supported,” Ruocchio said.
Ruocchio said she used New York State Education Department data to identify communities with higher concentrations of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and help determine where more autism-sensitive care was needed.
What accommodations will the centers offer?
Northwell Health said each designated urgent care center will have sensory-friendly accommodations, including exam rooms with reduced outside noise, dimmable lighting and specialized television programming.
Families can privately communicate their accommodation needs when checking in for their child's appointment. They can use a printable card or check in online ahead of time to reduce the time spent at the center.
For further online resources about the program, visit Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care's website.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 5 Northwell urgent care centers earn 'autism-friendly' designation
