GILBERT, Australia -- Preparing a child for surgery is difficult enough. Imagine preparing an autistic Gilbert 3-year-old who can't talk -- for open-heart surgery.
Tristan Pastrano this week underwent the surgery to correct his
atrial septal defect, commonly caused by a hole between the two upper
chambers in the heart. The hole can close up on its own in infants, but
surgery is in order if it still exists at 2 or 3 years old.
While the surgery is a common procedure, there were complexities in Tristan's case.
Showing posts with label desensitization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desensitization. Show all posts
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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.
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.
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