@sirgalahad Hello John:

How very kind of you to be looking out for your friends. Let me see what I can do to get some volunteers by their room. I live in SE Michigan so I'm not able to do it personally. If you would like to send me a PM (private message) with their last name, that would help.

It must be an additional challenge when seeking medical care from professionals who are not specialists in autism. You are obviously concerned for your friends. The volunteer Mentors on Connect are virtual volunteers living across the country and in some cases in countries outside the US. The mentors are not located on Mayo Clinic campuses.

However, all 3 Mayo Clinic campuses have on-site volunteers who visit patients and families in all the waiting areas and patient rooms. You can contact volunteer services here https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/volunteers. There are even volunteer dogs on-site. They are called Caring Canines and are especially trained to help reduce anxiety. https://intheloop.mayoclinic.org/2015/11/19/a-dogs-life-at-mayo-clinic/

Your friend may also wish to know about the Concierge Services https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services. Concierge Services can help them find things in the area during their 2-week stay.

And finally, you may also suggest that your friend become a member of Connect. We would gladly hold her virtual hand and accompany her while she waits and prepares for appointments. She and her son don't have to be alone.