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Consulting a doctor, going to the dentist or being hospitalized is not very reassuring for most of us, but it is even less so for children with autistic disorders, especially those who do not speak or do not express pain. So the Orbize Medical-Educational Institute (IME), located in Saint-Rémy near Chalon-sur-Saône, has been organizing “white consultations” with the ADMR nursing center in Chalonnais for two years. The principle: accustom children with autistic disorders to medical offices and consultations. And the experience is extremely conclusive.
Anne-Sophie Marinelli is a nurse coordinator at the ADMR health center in Chalonnais. For two years, she has seen clearly the progress of young people which she accompanies. “At first the young people could not last more than two seconds sitting on a chair with a tourniquet. After eight or nine practice sessions, they can last two minutes. And two minutes is enough to start a blood test” she rejoices.
Complicated consultations
Enough to give hope to parents, for whom a medical appointment can quickly become an ordeal. Sandra Cleard, the coordinator of the “white consultations” project at IME l’Orbize, explains that many autistic children do not allow themselves to be treated or do not express their pain. Smells, faces, places, everything is new when it comes to going to see a doctor or dentist, so behavioral problems and screaming are all the more important. They sometimes even lead to a lack of care. A mother testifies: her six-year-old son, autistic, panics at the doctor. “The blouse and the consultation table scare him” she explains.
A teddy leads by example
So to overcome this fear, care must become fun. Anne-Sophie Marinelli is wearing a teddy covered with colorful bandages in his arms : “we have fun, we climb on the armchair or we make the teddy bear climb on the armchair. When the child does not want to, we pass the alcohol compress on the arm of the stuffed toy. We play with fake syringes. This way they get used to it step by step” she specifies.
To listen
Broadcast on 04/02/2024
Autism, the testimony of a young Burgundian
Soon at the hospital
The medical care acclimatization sessions are working so well that Sandra Cleard has established new partnerships. The William Morey hospital center in Chalon and the fire brigade rescue center in Tournus will in turn offer white consultations in their structures. Children will thus be able to get used to hospital consultation rooms and fire rescue vehicles. The Chalon hospital emergencies should even offer white consultations from the spring.
**How can the “white consultations” program model be adapted and implemented in resource-limited settings to improve access to healthcare for autistic children in areas with fewer specialized facilities?**
## World Today News Interview: Making Healthcare Accessible for Autistic Children
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re tackling a vital issue: the challenges autistic children face when seeking crucial medical care. Joining us today are two experts working on the front lines to make healthcare more accessible for these individuals. We have Anne-Sophie Marinelli, a nurse coordinator at the ADMR health center in Chalonnais, and Sandra Cleard, the coordinator of the “white consultations” project at IME l’Orbize.
**Section 1: The Unique Challenges Faced by Autistic Children in Healthcare Settings**
* **Anne-Sophie, your work with autistic children has given you a unique perspective. Can you describe some of the specific challenges these children face when interacting with medical professionals and environments?**
* **Sandra, would you agree with Anne-Sophie’s observations? Can you elaborate on why traditional medical settings can be particularly overwhelming for autistic individuals, especially those who are non-verbal?**
* **How do these challenges potentially affect the quality of care received by autistic children? Are there instances where these difficulties can lead to a delay or avoidance of necessary medical attention?**
**Section 2: “White Consultations”: A Groundbreaking Approach to Acclimating Children to Healthcare**
* ** Sandra, you spearheaded the “white consultations” program at IME l’Orbize. What was the inspiration behind this initiative? Can you walk us through the concept and how it works in practice?**
* **Anne-Sophie, how has the “white consultations” program impacted the children you work with? Can you share any specific examples of progress and positive outcomes?**
* **What type of feedback have you received from parents regarding the program? How has it alleviated their anxieties and contributed to a more positive healthcare experience for their children?**
**Section 3: Expanding Access: The Future of “White Consultations”**
* ** Sandra, I understand that the “white consultations” program has been so successful that new partnerships are being forged. Can you tell us about the expansion of this program to other institutions like hospitals and fire departments?**
* **How crucial is it to expose autistic children to diverse medical environments beyond the traditional doctor’s office? What are the potential benefits of this broader approach?**
* **Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the long-term impact of the “white consultations” program? Do you envision this model being adopted more widely, and what kind of impact could that have on broader healthcare accessibility for autistic individuals?**
**Conclusion**
Thank you to Anne-Sophie and Sandra for sharing their invaluable expertise and insights. Your work is paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system for autistic children.
**(Optional Outro)**
For more information on the “white consultations” program and resources for autistic individuals and their families, please visit… [[1](https://www.who.int/zh/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders)]
