Routine health appointments are an essential part of maintaining your child’s overall well-being, but they can often be a source of anxiety for children with autism and their families. Whether it’s a visit to the pediatrician, dentist, or specialist, the unfamiliar environment, people, and procedures can present unique challenges. Additionally, children with autism oftentimes have more health appointments versus non-autistic children due to the prevalence of co-occurring health conditions. 

However, with some preparation and strategies in place, these appointments can become smoother and less stressful for both you and your child.

Understanding the Challenges

Children with autism may have heightened sensory sensitivities, difficulty with communication, and a need for predictability. These factors can make health appointments particularly daunting. A loud waiting room, unfamiliar faces, or even the smell of antiseptic can be overwhelming for someone with autism. 

Additionally, many routine procedures may involve close physical contact or unfamiliar equipment, which can be distressing for a child who struggles with these sensations. In this blog, we will go over some strategies to help set you and your child up for successful health appointment visits.

Strategies for Success

1. Preparation is Key

Preparation can make a significant difference in how your child with autism handles a health appointment. Here are a few strategies to help your child prepare for an upcoming appointment:

• Visual Schedules: Create a visual schedule that outlines what will happen during the appointment. Use pictures or drawings to depict each step, from entering the clinic to sitting in the waiting room to seeing the doctor. This can help your child understand what to expect and reduce anxiety.
• Social Stories: Social stories are a great way to explain what will happen during the appointment in a simple, narrative form. They can help your child understand and anticipate different aspects of the visit. Here is a great resource that includes a free printable social story for going to the doctor.
• Practice Visits: If possible, visit the clinic beforehand to familiarize your child with the environment. Let them explore the waiting area, meet some of the staff, and get used to the new surroundings. 

2. Communicate with the Healthcare Provider

Effective communication with your child’s healthcare provider prior to the appointment can greatly enhance the appointment experience. Here are some steps you can take to effectively communicate with the provider of interest before the appointment happens:

• Inform the Provider: Before the appointment, inform the provider about your child’s autism diagnosis and any specific needs or triggers they might have. This can help the provider prepare and adjust their approach as needed.
• Ask for Accommodations: Don’t hesitate to request accommodations that might help your child feel more comfortable, such as a quieter room or extra time for the appointment.
• Provide a Care Plan: Share any existing care plans or strategies that work well for your child. This can include preferred communication methods, behavioral strategies, or sensory preferences.

3. Create a Comfort Plan

When preparing for an upcoming health appointment for your child, our Director of Clinical Standards, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, urges parents to do their best to assess their child’s existing comfort level with the appointment given past experiences. From there, it becomes easier to create a comfort plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. This will help you manage your child’s stress and anxiety during the appointment. A comfort plan may include:

• Comfort Items: Bring along items that provide comfort, such as a favorite toy, blanket, or sensory tool. These familiar items can help soothe your child during the appointment.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation. Praise your child for their bravery or offer a small reward after the appointment, or sporadically during the appointment, to create a positive association.
• Breaks and Downtime: Allow for breaks if needed. If the appointment involves multiple steps, plan for short breaks to help your child stay calm and focused.

4. Focus on Sensory Needs

Addressing sensory sensitivities can make all the difference for children with autism, regardless of the environment. Make sure you show up to your child’s appointment prepared for whatever they may require to help them feel comfortable. Some aspects to consider are:

• Sensory Tools: Bring sensory tools that your child finds calming, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket.
• Calm Spaces: If your child is overwhelmed by the waiting room environment, ask if there is a quieter area where you can wait.
• Adaptations: Work with the healthcare provider to find ways to adapt the environment or procedures to better suit your child’s sensory needs. For example, some children may prefer to stay in their own clothes rather than change into a gown.

5. Post-Appointment Care

The experience doesn’t end when you leave the clinic – communication with your child’s healthcare providers and planning should be continued even after the appointment. Here are some ideas on how to support your child after their healthcare appointment:

• Debrief: Talk with your child about the appointment and acknowledge any feelings they may have. Reassure them and discuss what went well.
• Routine Re-establishment: Help your child transition back to their regular routine to provide a sense of normalcy and stability.
• Evaluate and Adjust: Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for future appointments. Adjust your preparation and strategies as needed to make subsequent visits smoother.

A Few More Things to Consider

Navigating routine health appointments for children with autism requires careful planning and consideration. By preparing in advance, communicating effectively with healthcare providers, and addressing sensory and comfort needs, you can help reduce anxiety and make the experience more manageable for your child and yourself. 

In addition to these steps, ABA Therapy is a great resource for helping your child not only “get through” health appointments but thrive during them by practicing specific skills in-clinic that align with their needs. We incorporate many examples of this in the clients we work with every day.

Remember, each child is unique, so it’s important to tailor these strategies to fit your child’s specific needs. With patience and persistence, routine health appointments can become a more positive and manageable part of your child’s care journey.