From the moment Matt greeted us in the prep room he immediately put myself and my son at ease. Our son has autism and is nonverbal. While asking the routine pre-op questions, he acknowledged our son and asked him how his day was going and what interests he has. Matt was very patient and understanding. Matt was calmly tending to him and kept the conversation going while he was trying to escape the room and yelled (that's how he expresses himself). Matt was professional and personable. He was able to answer the questions I had with confidence and reassurance. Matt informed me of the ACT group and highly recommended it so our son would have a 'plan in place' for future visits to help keep him calm and comfortable.
Although our son is nonverbal, he understands what we are saying to him but generally does not have a response. I feel like because he has autism, I am compelled to explain why he acts the way he does, and basically come to his defense because he can't do that alone. People generally don't ask our son things and sometimes he is not even acknowledged. Matt not only knelt down and said 'hi Buddy' where he surprisingly said 'hi!' back, but he continued to ask him what he likes, if he needed anything, how school is going and much more. I felt like Matt understood him like he has known him for years, and it took the pressure off me to have to explain his autism, which was not expected by anyone at this visit but is something I always feel like I need to do.
Matt informed me of the Adaptive Care Team, which will be a HUGE help for future appointments. While our son was in for surgery I filled out the form online so we will have that in place for upcoming visits. Matt gave suggestions for fidget toys that may also help him with future visits. He was able to answer every question I had with confidence.
Matt made us feel comfortable the entire time honestly. He turned on his favorite movie, "Wreck-It Ralph" while we were waiting. He was reassuring and calm, which in turn made me and our son calm. He made small kid-appropriate jokes which made me smile and our son. Matt reiterated how he wanted to keep him happy and make this experience a positive one (and not traumatic which was my fear). He was could not have anything more than he did to keep him and myself at ease.
By Matt introducing the ACT Child Plan to us, our son will be able to continue having amazing experiences at Children's. Thank you sincerely Matt for being so amazing!
Note: This is Matt's 2nd DAISY Award!