Visiting the Doctor’s Office with an Autistic Child
Healthcare providers are accustomed to anxious patients. For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory issues, an aversion to physical contact, or changes in their daily routine could lead to a negative doctor’s office visit. Fostering positive medical experiences during childhood can increase the likelihood that autistic people will receive appropriate medical care throughout their lives. The patient’s first experience can set the precedent for future office visits. Therefore, creating positive, impactful experiences that carry into adulthood will have a long-term beneficial impact.
Things families can do to prepare for a doctor’s office visit:
- Take the child to the office before the appointment to familiarize them with the environment.
- Practice procedures before the appointment.
- Remember to bring a communication system your child utilizes. Even if the child/adolescent has language, the visit may be anxiety inducing and the child/adolescent may not be able to use the language they have.
- Be cognizant of the child’s routine when scheduling the appointment and choose a time that is least likely to be disruptive (i.e. consider time of day, time the office is not busy, time least intrusive to child’s daily routine).
- Bring comfort items and/or items to distract the child’s attention from the medical setting.
- Remember to speak to the medical team in advance about any special accommodations the child may need, such as environmental modifications.
- Inform healthcare providers about certain triggers or any sensory inputs that make the patient anxious.
- Source: CAR Autism Roadmap™ article: “Going to a Medical Appointment.” Center for Autism Research website.
Video presentations to prepare families/patients with certain procedures:
- An animated video on what to expect during a doctor’s office visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwx2Z69S0YA
- Getting an x-ray. What to expect prior, during, and after the procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Po-Uc7IPY
- What to expect during a surgical procedure. Although this is specific to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, it can be applicable to most hospital settings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGDfXb_mv7c
- A 30-minute episode from “Sid the Science Kid” on getting a shot or vaccine for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tpmiGFxRg4
Things healthcare providers can do:
Providers can ask specific questions when scheduling autistic patients, such as:
- Does the child have any developmental or behavioral diagnoses that the staff should be aware of?
- Does the child have any special communication needs?
- Has the child had difficulty going to similar appointments?
- Does the child follow a rigid routine? If so, when is the best time during the day to schedule appointment?
- Does the child have any sensory sensitivities?
Healthcare providers may also:
- Send paperwork and questionnaires to parents in advance of the appointment in order to minimize wait time.
- Make small adjustments to the appointment to minimize wait times, time spent in large patient waiting areas, or the use of bright lights.
Things healthcare providers should tell parents:
- Ask parents to bring accommodating items (distractions, comfort items, special communication devices, etc.).
- Discuss what exactly entails an office visit so parents can prepare children
- Discuss specific ways to calm the child down should they become anxious
Things can do to make visits go smoothly:
- REMEMBER TO GO SLOW! Take any necessary extra time or breaks to allow the patient to acclimate to the procedures or new environment.
- Have distraction or comfort items available at the office in case it is necessary for an anxious child.
Article by: Sarika Mahajan and The Autism ToolKit
Further Reading
Tips for Treating Patients with Autism. Today’s Hospitalist website.
Your ATN@Work: Easing clinic visits for kids with autism. Autism Speaks website.
CAR Autism Roadmap™ article: “Going to a Medical Appointment.” Center for Autism Research website.
CHOP Autism Integrated Care Program Resources. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website.
https://www.chop.edu/news/autism-referral-information-and-resources-your-patients
https://pakpeds.com/ASDs-Family-Handout-Visiting-the-Doctor-1
https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-and-doctor-visit-communication-tips-success
https://www.rchsd.org/documents/2015/03/autismspeakstoolkit.pdf/
https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/preparing-your-child-with-autism-for-a-medical-visit/
https://rvapediatrics.com/ASDs-Family-Handout-Visiting-the-Doctor
Other resources you may be interested in
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