Hospital Time!
Kathleen McClatchey, Pat Browning
language
(Loving Sense Abilities, LLC, June 1, 2012)
This book grew out of our own experience as moms of both typical and special needs children who had to spend time in the hospital. It is designed to prepare a child for a scheduled hospitalization, as well as a book to read when they have been admitted in an emergency situation.A SENSORY APPROACHWhen any of us are in pain or stressed, we tend to experience the world much more through our five senses than through language. This is very true of our special needs kids, but it also applies to our neuro-typical children in an unfamiliar environment. Clear information on the sights, sounds, touches, smells, and tastes that are part of a hospital experience can go a long way to lowering anxiety so children can more cooperatively participate in their medical care. Many of our children, especially our children with autism, are visual learners – “eyes on” learners – so we made sure to use clear, realistic, appealing photographs that communicate as well as the text.A BOOK IN A BOOKA Special Section for CaregiversHaving a child in the hospital is a stressful experience for everyone in the family. At the end of this book is a special section for family members and caregivers. The most important people in any child’s experience of their hospitalization will be those they already know, those whose love and care they trust. The better prepared caregivers are, and the better prepared a child is for their time in the hospital, the better the experience will be for everyone.