17 tips for parents to ensure a successful visit to the doctor for their children
The Ministry of Community Development advised parents to implement a set of guidelines that ensure a successful visit for children of determination with autism spectrum to the doctor, stressing that they are useful at the same time when dealing with all categories of children during their medical and treatment follow-up.
The guidelines based on scientific studies and research recommended by the competent team working in the ministry include the following:
• Start planning before the date of the visit and choose the appropriate day and time for the child's routine.
• Provide the examining team with sufficient information about the child before the date of the visit, such as health and behavioral problems.
• Prepare the child well in advance of the appointment, and introduce him to the doctor's tools through social stories, photos, and videos.
• Adding the visit's appointment in the child's daily schedule and program, and reminding him of the appointment.
• Ensure that the child gets enough sleep and food and relieves himself before the visit to avoid bouts of anxiety, anger and crying.
• Ensure the presence of the person close to the child during the visit and during the examinations, whether it is the mother, father, or the nanny, so that the child feels safe and comfortable.
• Doing some simple activities with the child before the visit, such as jumping on the trampoline, riding a bicycle, and playing with the swing.
• Telling the child in clear and simple words when setting out for the destination, such as "We will go to the doctor."
• Allow the child to carry a favorite toy, book, blanket or object during the appointment.
• Ensure that the child's clothes are appropriate and comfortable, as the examination may require removing the clothes, so they must be easy clothes.
• Make sure to take a coat for the child in case the place is cold due to the presence of central air conditioning systems in some places.
• Make sure to put an earplug, a sound-isolating headphone for the child, or with calm music, in case he suffers from excessive auditory sensitivity and is disturbed by sounds.
• Doing a light massage for the child before or during the examination on the shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or placing a rubber ball for pressure in the palm of his hand, if he suffers from excessive tactile sensitivity and is disturbed by touch.
• Putting sunglasses for the child in case there are bright lights and colors in the place, in case your child suffers from excessive visual sensitivity and is disturbed by lights or colors.
• Distracting the child during the examination by holding an iPad or a phone to display a likable object, playing with a doll, or blowing bubbles by sitting in one direction and being close to it.
• Praise and encourage the child when he responds positively to the examiners, cuddling him and patting his head.
• Make a deal with the child such as, “If you are calm and obedient during the examination you will get a toy or candy or you will watch your favorite cartoon.
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