A trip to the pediatrician can be challenging for any child. Add in sensory sensitivities and heightened emotional responses, and the difficulty increases.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty with change, new environments, and sensory overload, making a visit to the pediatrician’s office overwhelming. However, with proper preparation, parents and caregivers can help reduce the child’s anxiety and make the visit a positive experience for everyone involved.
Here are some practical tips for preparing your child for their first trip to the pediatrician.
Making Mental Preparations
Acclimatizing to disruptions in a routine is a common issue for children with autism. To minimize the uncertainty around this change, consider introducing the concept of the visit well in advance.
Use visual aids like photos of the pediatrician’s office to show what the area looks like. Stories and role-playing can also help your child prepare.
It’s also helpful to revisit calming techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, to help your child work through the experience. These techniques will also help you stay calm if you’re stressed about the upcoming visit.
Autism experts at ABA Centers of Florida emphasize that patience and understanding are important in maintaining a good method for visits outside the home.
Sensory Preparation
Medical centers aren’t typically sensory-friendly. They often have bright lights and unfamiliar noises that aren’t conducive to a child with autism.
While you can’t change the surroundings, you can help your child prepare for them. Bring sensory tools that help your child adapt to their surroundings, like noise-canceling headphones, texture toys, and other comfort items.
Talk to the medical staff before the appointment and see what options they have available to support your child’s needs. They may have a separate waiting area or off-hours with fewer visitors and activities.
Appointment Preparation
Identifying that your child has ASD before the visit will help prepare your pediatrician for the appointment, so you can get the most out of your limited time.
It’s also helpful to write a list of questions or concerns about your child’s well-being. Take your list and a notepad to capture details from the appointment.
Understanding what questions your pediatrician will be asking or what assessments they’ll conduct will also help you and your child prepare.
Plan a Reward System
Patience and positive reinforcement are essential for helping your child with autism navigate their first pediatrician appointment. Use a favorite toy or game to help keep your child engaged and calm during the visit, and consider offering a reward for after.
Remind your child that they’re doing well throughout the appointment, and encourage their cooperation. Verbal praise and a positive tone go a long way when helping your child associate their visit with positive outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a child with autism for their first pediatrician visit takes time and effort, but it is essential to help reduce the child’s stress and anxiety.
By preparing the child mentally, addressing sensory needs, using effective communication strategies, and offering positive reinforcement, you can make the visit a positive experience for the child and build a foundation for future appointments.