The Autism Friendly Hospital Initiative at Sidra Medicine

The Autism-Friendly Hospital Initiative (AFHI) at Sidra Medicine strives to create a welcoming environment where children with ASD feel understood, supported, and safe. At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to providing inclusive, respectful, and person-centered care.

Our staff are trained to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care, supported by ongoing ASD specific professional development. We continuously work to improve our services, listen to families, and ensure that each visit is as smooth as possible.

We have a range of services and resources to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience for you and your child, every step of the way.

Step 1: Preparing your child before arrival

Social Stories: Our team of experts have created a set of Social Stories to help your child feel more comfortable and prepared when visiting a healthcare setting.

Medical environments can be unfamiliar and overwhelming, and social stories provide a gentle way to explain what your child may see, hear, and experience during their visit.

Reading these stories with your child before appointments can help reduce anxiety, increase understanding, and support positive coping strategies.

Step 2: Arriving at Sidra Medicine

Fast Track Services: Our Fast Track Services support smoother hospital visits for children with ASD and their families.

Autism-Friendly Car Parking: Designated parking spots are available at our Outpatient Clinic (OPC) and Pediatric Emergency Department.  These spaces are clearly marked with Autism Friendly Hospital Initiative (AFHI) signage.

Access to these spaces requires a special permit card, issued based on the frequency of visits and the individual support needs of the child.

Autism Support Checklist The Autism support checklist is used to document your child’s unique sensory and communication needs in the electronic health record. Our goal is to improve provider-parent communication. You may be asked to fill out the form or sometimes your child’s doctor may just ask the questions and fill out the form directly. The information you provide will be used at subsequent visits to support your child.

Autism Support Toolkit: To better support patients with ASD during medical visits, Sidra Medicine provides the Autism Support Toolkits across the hospital.

This toolkit is designed to help your child feel less anxious, communicate more easily, and manage their emotions with greater comfort.

Step 3: When you are ready to leave

Pharmacy Fast Track Services: Families of children with ASD receive priority service at the pharmacy to reduce waiting times and stress.  We have the service available in both our Pharmacies – Outpatient Clinic (OPC) and Pediatric Emergency Department (PED).

• Our Q-Matic machines in the OPC have been updated with an Autism button, while in the PED patients are automatically prioritized in the system.
• We have a dedicated counter (Counter 8) at the OPC Pharmacy for medication Pickup
• We also have a Home Delivery Service for medications.

If you need help, ask a pharmacy security staff for assistance.

Additional Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Parent Resource Guide

We are committed to empowering families with the knowledge and support they need to navigate their journey with confidence. Our Parent Resource Guide provides families with information on available resources and services within Qatar, supporting informed decision-making and access to appropriate care.

Monthly Parent Education Sessions 

These sessions cover a wide range of relevant topics and are delivered by qualified professionals, including specialists in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavioral therapy, and other related disciplines, with the aim of enhancing understanding and building practical skills for families.