New resources bring comfort and support to neurodivergent patients at Beacon Children’s Hospital
A child arriving at the hospital often faces uncertainty, anxiety and unfamiliar surroundings. For children with autism and other neurodivergent characteristics, those challenges can be even greater.
Thanks to a grant from The Toy Foundation, Beacon Children’s Hospital is enhancing the care experience for these patients through new sensory-support resources that help reduce stress, provide comfort and make hospital visits easier to navigate. The $3,000 grant funded a specialized sensory-support cart stocked with tools and activities tailored to the needs of young neurodivergent patients.
Sensory-support tools help children feel more comfortable
Sensory-support cart stocked with tools and resources for neurodivergent patients.
According to Chloe Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist at Beacon Children’s Hospital, many patients on the autism spectrum experience heightened responses to sounds, lights, medical equipment and physical touch, making these resources especially valuable during treatment and recovery.
“The hospital environment can be overwhelming for some children,” said Chloe. “Having tools available that help patients self-regulate, express emotions and feel more comfortable can make a meaningful difference in their experience.”
The sensory-support items on the cart help these young patients feel more comfortable and manage the sights and sounds of the hospital environment, including:
- Calming activities
- Emotional expression resources
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Sensory and fidget tools
- Weighted lap mats
Creativity and community partnerships at work
The initiative has also created opportunities for collaboration beyond the hospital walls. A local volunteer and retired Navy veteran worked alongside the Child Life team to create custom 3D-printed play and sensory items for pediatric patients.
Among the first requests were miniature mobility aids for dolls, inspired by a young cancer patient adapting to life after an amputation. Additional creations include sensory fidget toys, playdough tools and other hands-on items that support therapeutic play.
Expanding education for neurodivergent patient care
Sensory-support cart stocked with tools and resources for neurodivergent patients.
The grant’s impact extends beyond equipment. Funding also helped expand staff education focused on caring for neurodivergent patients.
Through community partnerships and professional development opportunities, the Child Life team continues to strengthen its approach to inclusive, compassionate care. Tracy Byler, Certified Child Life Specialist, said that the support of the Logan Center provided educational programming at no cost and helped maximize the impact of the grant.
Creating a more inclusive pediatric healthcare experience
As the sensory-support cart is introduced across the hospital in fall 2026, Beacon Children’s Hospital remains committed to creating an environment where every child feels understood, supported and cared for.
Beacon Children’s Hospital thanks The Toy Foundation for helping bring the healing power of play to children and families during some of their most challenging moments.
For more information on how you can support Child Life and other initiatives at the hospital, please reach out to Beacon Health Foundation today at gro.metsyshtlaehnocaeb@evig.
