How To Avoid Child-Meltdowns At The Doctor's Office
“Do you have any advice on how we can make my 6 year old daughter’s upcoming visit to our doctor less stressful? She was diagnosed with high functioning autism recently, and has a history of not doing well while being examined, crying hysterically from start to finish. It’s a real ordeal for all of us, including the doc! Also, my daughter has pica.” Most children with Asperger’s and High Functioning Autism have difficulties with social interaction, communication, and accepting novelty. Therefore, spending the extra time to acclimate the “special needs” child to the new environment/experience will be crucial, for example: Allow ample time while talking before touching the child Allow the child to manipulate instruments and materials Exaggerate social cues Familiarize the child with the office setting and staff Have family and/or familiar staff available Keep instructions simple, using visual cues and supports Slow down the pace of the overall doctor’s visit These a