Autism Acceptance Month | Kindred Hospital Melbourne Staff Is 'Amazing' in Treating Young Man with Autism

On April 7, Layton McLaughlin celebrated his 19th birthday at home with cake and balloons, marking a joyful day after months of challenges. Layton, who has severe autism and is nonverbal, had recently recovered from a medical emergency that required intensive care at Kindred Hospital Melbourne.

During Autism Acceptance Month in April, Layton’s mother and full-time caretaker, Petro McLaughlin, expressed her gratitude for the compassionate and skilled care provided by the Kindred staff, which helped Layton recover and return home safely.

“They were amazing with my kid,” Petro McLaughlin said. “He was the youngest patient in the hospital. Everyone there said, ‘We are going to take care of him like a son.’ That made my heart so happy … to know that other people would take care of him the way that I would.”

Earlier this spring, Layton faced a medical issue that led to complications during a routine procedure. Despite the challenges, the Kindred team worked tirelessly to ensure his recovery. Layton’s autism presented unique challenges, but the staff’s dedication and understanding made a significant difference.

Laura Burke, Market CEO for Kindred Hospitals of East Florida, which includes Kindred Melbourne, shared her personal connection to autism through her grandson. She believed that adjusting Layton’s treatment approach would help him feel more comfortable and respond better to care. Her insights proved correct, and Layton’s condition improved rapidly once the changes were made.

“He was becoming more alert and ready to start working with therapy,” Burke said. “We quickly turned him around, and there was no stopping him once he was off the sedatives. He was ready to go. He was out of here.”

Layton was discharged on March 20, weeks earlier than initially projected. During his stay, the Kindred team also supported Petro McLaughlin, allowing her to rest and recharge.

Petro McLaughlin said that Burke “understood from a grandparent’s heart that seeing your kid struggle and not being able to communicate the way that other people do, that we need to be their voice.”

“Laura was my son’s voice in the hospital when I couldn’t be there,” she said.

While at Kindred, Layton formed bonds with his caregivers, often blowing them kisses. He developed a close relationship with Nursing Supervisor Anita Smith, who visited him at his home on his birthday and brought balloons.

Layton and Petro McLaughlin returned to Kindred in early April to thank the staff who had cared for him. Layton, who doesn’t usually give hugs, embraced one of his former caregivers.

“They could see the joy in his eyes and see how far he’s come,” Petro said. “They were compassionate and patient, and they treated my kid like anybody else.”