Going to the hospital, having a blood test, surgery or being admitted can represent a great challenge full of difficulties for people with autism, intellectual disability or neurodiversity in general due to the demands of the environment.
It can be so complex that in some cases these patients may not get to have blood tests, surgery or even go to the hospital.
With the aim of anticipating and making the visit to the Hospital and the performance of different diagnostic tests and medical procedures more predictable and accessible, Vall d’Hebron Hospital in collaboration with the Catalan Autism Federation, the Aragonese Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ARASAAC) and the financial support of the “La Caixa” Foundation, has launched the M’adapTU programme.
Although initially developed for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), M’adapTU has been extended to people with intellectual disabilities, complex communication needs and neurodiversity in general, given that the adaptations and actions that make it up are also beneficial for these groups.
This programme is made up of four pillars: new signage in the area of Paediatrics, audiovisual material, materials and resources for communication and a guide with visual supports to facilitate communication, understanding and accessibility for all people with complex communication needs.
The audiovisual material is made up of a series of videos that recreate the routes that patients and their families have to take in the Hospital and that allow them to become familiar with the spaces they have to attend from home to undergo tests, procedures and interventions, such as rehabilitation consultations, the gym or different spaces of the Paediatric Radiology Service. For example.
Among the materials and resources for communication, Vall d’Hebron has electronic tablets with specific software and communication boards with ARASAAC pictograms that facilitate communication and improve their well-being and mood, as well as their relationship with families and health professionals.
The Guide to Visual Supports in the Healthcare Field has been prepared by a multidisciplinary team, and aims to facilitate the explanation of the different medical procedures for people with autism or complex communication needs.
All these materials and signage have been made with ARASAAC pictograms. All the information on the M’adapTU programme, together with all the materials created, relevant information to prepare for the medical visit, as well as social information provided by the Vall d’Hebron Social Work team and the Catalan Autism Federation, can be consulted on the website that has been created within the hospital’s own website .