Would you like your child's visit to doctors to go more smoothly? Children with autism see many specialists and these doctor visits are often so trying for parents.
Let's look at three tips for improved behavior in doctor's offices. If you do all three, your doctor's visits will go much more smoothly.
1. Get the first appointment of the day
The importance of this tip cannot be overstated. Taking children with autism to the doctor in the middle of the day, or worse, in the late afternoon is a clear recipe for disaster. This is because the doctor's staff generally overbooks the doctor. This often causes doctors to "run behind" by a half hour to an hour a day. Many doctors still do not know that children with autism have difficulty waiting patiently. Hence, it is imperative that you obtain the first appointment of the day for any type of medical personnel interaction with children with autism.
2. Visit the doctor's office before the visit without the child
It is best to visit the doctor's office unaccompanied by the child at least once prior to the visit. The purpose of this is to check out the waiting room environment. Are there any toys there? If so, what kind? It there are toys, are these the kind of toys that your child loves so much that a tantrum could begin because of it? Just check out the waiting room environment. Remember, you intend to book the first appointment of the day anyway so hopefully you won't be in the waiting room long.
3. Bring a reinforcer bag
Carefully pack a bag of reinforcer items that your child loves. Some ideas include play-doh, toys that light up and spin or have soft music. Also, pack some snacks that are winners with your child. There is usually a no- eating policy in doctor's offices, so keep the items very small. Finally, do not forget sensory comfort items. Some ideas are soft clothing, a small blanket and "chewy tube" type items. It can get loud in there. Do not forget the headphones or earplugs if your child likes them.
Let's look at three tips for improved behavior in doctor's offices. If you do all three, your doctor's visits will go much more smoothly.
1. Get the first appointment of the day
The importance of this tip cannot be overstated. Taking children with autism to the doctor in the middle of the day, or worse, in the late afternoon is a clear recipe for disaster. This is because the doctor's staff generally overbooks the doctor. This often causes doctors to "run behind" by a half hour to an hour a day. Many doctors still do not know that children with autism have difficulty waiting patiently. Hence, it is imperative that you obtain the first appointment of the day for any type of medical personnel interaction with children with autism.
2. Visit the doctor's office before the visit without the child
It is best to visit the doctor's office unaccompanied by the child at least once prior to the visit. The purpose of this is to check out the waiting room environment. Are there any toys there? If so, what kind? It there are toys, are these the kind of toys that your child loves so much that a tantrum could begin because of it? Just check out the waiting room environment. Remember, you intend to book the first appointment of the day anyway so hopefully you won't be in the waiting room long.
3. Bring a reinforcer bag
Carefully pack a bag of reinforcer items that your child loves. Some ideas include play-doh, toys that light up and spin or have soft music. Also, pack some snacks that are winners with your child. There is usually a no- eating policy in doctor's offices, so keep the items very small. Finally, do not forget sensory comfort items. Some ideas are soft clothing, a small blanket and "chewy tube" type items. It can get loud in there. Do not forget the headphones or earplugs if your child likes them.
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