Preparing Kids on the Autism Spectrum for Medical Procedures

Thanks to the Autism Research Institute for these helpful video tools and information:

Medical visits can be stressful for anyone. Individuals with autism often face challenges during procedures like physical examinations and blood draws due to communication deficits and sensory issues.

Three new, brief video presentations are aimed at facilitating developmentally appropriate, honest communication with children before their visit to a doctor or clinic.

1) Social story: Today I am having a blood draw

2) Easing anxiety: Medical play

3) Caregiver strategies: Positioning for comfort

See the three videos here.

The video series was developed by treatment professionals at the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute.