Easing Anxiety at the Doctor's Office

Medical appointments can be very challenging for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The combination of long waiting times, unfamiliar surroundings, and invasive - sometimes painful - experiences can make the appointment anxiety-provoking for parents and traumatic for children.
Parents and educators can make these experiences less upsetting by informing others of their child's needs and using strategies based on the principles of behavior analysis.
Often, if medical practitioners are aware that they will be serving a child with a disability, they can make special accommodations to help the visit go more smoothly.