Autism Spectrum Center

Boston Children's Hospital Resources

Learn more about our autism programs and resources, including behavioral supports for hospital visits, our family support team, lecture series, and e-newsletter.

Autism Spectrum Center Family Support Team

Our family support team can help you to find therapies and supports services for your child. Our team includes patient and family educators, social workers, and Child Life specialists. Contact the center or your provider for more information.

My Hospital Story

These visual, child-friendly stories prepare all children, including those with autism, for their visit or procedure. These stories have simple descriptions and photos of different places your child may visit in the hospital. They show what the rooms look like, the people they might meet, and what might happen. Check out our My Hospital Stories at myhospitalstory.org or Child Life Services.

Behavioral Support Plan

Children with autism may need additional support during their visit, especially if medical visits make them anxious, upset, or aggressive. That’s why we offer the ability to create a Patient Support Plan (PSP), a behavioral plan that helps make appointments as easy and comfortable as possible for children with autism. The plan lets us know things that might upset your child — like bright lights, certain sounds, or being touched — and lists some options that might help, such as having a toy available.

If you feel your child would benefit from the added support of a PSP, please speak with your health care provider or call the Autism Spectrum Center at 617-355-7493.