LORD M: a better adapted hospital care pathway for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
At the Children’s Hospital (HUDERF), teams are currently developing LORD M, a pilot project designed to improve the hospital experience and care pathway for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Making hospital visits more predictable, understandable and reassuring for children with ASD and their families
Why this project?
For a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coming to hospital can be a challenging experience.
Noise in the waiting area, bright lighting, unpredictable waiting times and changes in staff can all create stress and confusion.
These situations can lead to anxiety, make care more difficult and sometimes place parents in a challenging position.
The LORD M project has been designed to better take these realities into account and adapt the hospital environment to the specific needs of these patients.
What will change for your child?
Several adaptations are being introduced progressively.
A communication passport
Before coming to hospital, you will be able to complete a simple document to help teams better understand your child:
- how your child communicates
- their sensitivities (noise, light, touch, etc.)
- what helps them to stay calm
This allows care to be adapted from the moment you arrive.
Easier access (Fast Pass)
For some patients with ASD who are followed in child and adolescent psychiatry and who find waiting or noise particularly difficult, priority access may be offered.
The aim is to reduce time spent in highly stimulating environments.
Tools to prepare for the visit
Videos and visual supports (such as illustrated guides or comic-style materials) will be available to explain to your child:
- where they will go
- what will happen
- who they will meet
This preparation helps them anticipate the visit and reduces anxiety.
Supportive and calming materials
Sensory and supportive tools (such as objects to handle, noise-cancelling headphones, visual aids, etc.) are used to help your child feel calmer and to facilitate certain procedures.
This equipment is already used in child and adolescent psychiatry and will gradually be made available in other departments.
More adapted waiting areas
Where possible, quieter and more suitable waiting spaces will be offered.
Identified ASD referents
In some departments, trained professionals will be identified as ASD referents.
They will be recognisable by a “LORD M” badge and can be involved in your child’s care.
A project supported by Josef Schovanec
The project also benefits from the support of Josef Schovanec, writer and speaker.
“When I was a child, going to hospital could be a source of anxiety because everything felt unpredictable. If I had been able to see in advance what was going to happen, it would have helped me a great deal,” he explains.
Why the name “LORD M”?
The project takes its name from the story of Florimond-Martial, a young person with autism spectrum disorder.
He had imagined a character, Lord M, who helped him face certain situations in everyday life.
His mother, Dominique Dufour, patron of the project, wanted this character to continue helping other children.
“Lord M was the character Florimond created to give himself strength. Seeing it become a project that helps other young people with autism spectrum disorder today is a way of passing on that strength and courage,” she explains.
Learn more
Helping your child prepare for a hospital visit with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
For any questions or further information:
Autism Resource Centre (CRA) and APPi Unit
Centre de Ressource Autisme (CRA) and unité APPi unite-appi [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (unite-appi[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
Communiqué de Presse "LORD M: un projet pilote pour repenser l’accueil des patients TSA à l’Hôpital des Enfants
