Let’s practice
Sensory Friendly Healthcare
Our Sensory Friendly Healthcare Program is designed to support healthcare providers across Central Virginia in creating more inclusive, accessible, and sensory-friendly environments.
This program equips providers with training and resources to better support patients with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other sensory challenges. These individuals often face barriers to care — such as communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and anxiety around medical visits — that can lead to poor health outcomes.
The Sensory Friendly Healthcare Program is an extension of ASCV’s Autism Friendly Communities program.
Program Training Process
At the core of this initiative is our interactive training, “Introduction to Neurodiversity: Creating Sensory Friendly Healthcare.” This session helps healthcare teams better understand neurodiversity and equips them with practical tools and strategies to reduce barriers to care.
Through case-based learning and guided discussion, participants will:
- Gain foundational knowledge of autism and neurodiversity
- Recognize the diverse ways autism may present
- Learn respectful, effective approaches to support individuals in moments of distress
- Explore sensory accommodations that improve comfort and communication
Request Access to Virginia Healthcare Practitioners Autism Training
This continuing education training provides an introduction to understanding the characteristics of autism and offers practical strategies for effective communication and interaction with autistic patients. It also highlights best practices for creating successful and supportive office visits.
Upon completion, participants may download a Certificate of Attendance.
Sensory Friendly Healthcare Program
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Includes initial meeting with leadership team, as well as:
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Includes staff training Introduction to Neurodiversity: Creating Sensory Friendly Healthcare
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On-demand virtual Creating Sensory Friendly Healthcare module for onboarding
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Resource toolkit and sensory audit
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Vaccination Sensory kits (e.g., shot blocker, fidget, headphones)
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Customizable social stories, visual supports and intake form templates
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A final report with tailored recommendations
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Website recognition
Join Our Autism Friendly Community
Please email Community Engagement Director, Debra Holloway at [email protected] to learn more about how the Sensory Friendly Healthcare program can benefit your business.