Visiting the Doctor—Autism Toolkit

What if preparing ahead of time doesn't help? What else can I do to make the visit go smoothly?

• Sometimes, doctor or dentist visits are stressful even when you get ready ahead of time. Children with ASD may have a hard time with language and may not understand what you explain. A visit to the doctor or dentist can be seen as a bad thing, as it may often be connected with getting shots or being sick.

• Not knowing and being afraid can lead to problem behavior.

• Try to ease anxiety and make a more enjoyable link with the doctor's office by practicing visits. You can go to the office with your child and sit in the waiting room while doing something your child enjoys.

• Let the office staff know ahead of time of anything that helps your child with medical visits. This could be not waiting too long, using simpler language, and dimming the lights. If your child has trouble with certain tasks or needles, think about a separate short visit just for shots. This will make the visit shorter and easier to deal with.

• Organize yourself to keep the visit moving along. Bring a written list of questions or issues to talk with the doctor. Some children do well if the doctor or dentist can go over the order of the visit with them and check off (verbally or on a list) when each part of the visit is done.

• Make copies of any important papers (such as testing by specialists) and bring them to the visit to give to the doctor. If you can, bring another person to the doctor's office to help with your child. This way, you don't have to be rushed or worried about your child's behavior while you talk with the doctor. Some doctors can also schedule special visits to meet alone with them. This can be when you have many questions and you know your child can't sit still or wait during long visits.

• You may want to bring activities or toys that your child likes to help keep her busy during waiting times. These can make her feel safe and calm.

• Do what you can to make your child's time at the doctor's office shorter. Try to get slots in the day where waiting times will be shortest and the waiting room will be quiet. Remind the office staff ahead of time that your child has ASD so that they will do their best to see your child as quickly as possible. Help the nurse or doctor during the checkup by calming your child or helping. Giving a special reward right after the visit might help your child feel happier about the visit and calm down faster if she is upset.

• Let the office know the best time of day for your child to have a visit. You can ask the office to follow a routine so your child knows what to expect. Ask if the same staff can see your child and if your child can be seen in the same room each visit. Let them know that your child may need more time.