While many of his ICU colleagues provided care to this autistic young adult, Ted went above and beyond. The patient spent 2 months in the ICU prior to finding a placement. Ted made a special connection with her.  Speaking to her as an adult while setting limits and providing structure. Even when Ted was not assigned to the patient's care, if the patient saw him on the unit, the patient's face would light up. After 2 months with the ICU team, all settled into a routine.

When placement was found and a discharge date set, the staff’s concerns were for the patient and knowing she wasn’t going to understand. Sure enough, she was full of fear.  What bridged the gap was Ted volunteered to travel with her on the 3-hour ambulance transport. A familiar face who knows the patient’s limits and routines made the difference.  In addition, upon arrival, the new staff who never met her was focused on teaching a new employee how to transfer a patient from stretcher to bed.  Ted stopped them to include the patient in the discussion.  Even though she is non-verbal, she did understand. This may not have been “normal” ICU care but Ted and his colleagues stepped up to care for this individual with the same compassion and expertise as with all our other patients.