Children with ASD need to regularly attend medical appointments so that health problems can be identified and treated quickly. Around 50% of young children are afraid of visiting Doctor. This number is likely to be much higher among children with ASD as they often don’t cope well with change, strangers, or physical contact. But as medical appointments are a crucial part of life, you need to work with your child to ease their anxiety ahead of their next appointment.
Do a practice run
One of the biggest challenges children with ASD face is visiting new places. A medical setting can be really daunting to a child with ASD, so try to arrange for your child to visit before their appointment. If you’ve got an appointment you need to go to yourself, and see if your child can come with you so that can get used to the sound, light, and people. Otherwise, speak to the setting to see if your child can visit for a few minutes. Simply being able to see the waiting room and saying hello to the reception team will help make their future appointment a smoother one.
Use role-play
The dentist is one place that children with ASD really need to regularly visit. 45% of young people with ASD use medications that can affect the health of their teeth. Many children with ASD often find it hard to properly brush their teeth due to the sensation. This can lead to a buildup of plague on the teeth and around the gums, known as gingivitis. A professional dentist will need to remove the plaque and maintenance should be done at home, including regular teeth brushing. Studies have found that role play can help children with ASD deal with situations that they find difficult, such as visiting the dentist for important treatment. If your child has gingivitis or a similar dental issue, play out a dental trip at home. Be sure to swap places so that your child gets a chance to be both the patient and the dentist. Your child should then feel more confident and at ease about the process when they visit the dentist for real.
Use flashcards
A change in routine can cause a child with ASD to have a meltdown or tantrum. They may even refuse to go into a medical building if they can’t manage their emotions. Flashcards are a great way to prepare your child for what will happen during a medical appointment. Being able to visualize how the appointment will go will help to relieve the stress and anxiety they feel. Flashcards also give your child the chance to ask questions about the appointment and your answer will soothe them even further.
Like all children, children with ASD need to attend routine medical appointments. This can be daunting for both the child and you. But with some careful preparation, you can alleviate your child’s worries and ensure that any medical appointment goes as smoothly as possible.
nice article.thanks
HEMAMA-segc.
good