“Does anyone know a insert profession here who is good with kids who have special needs?” – a common question among parents with special needs children on various local forums.
Last year marked a significant milestone for my son during a dental visit. For the first time, he managed to get through the appointment without major distress. Initially, he displayed signs of anxiety—flapping his hands, screaming, and sweating profusely as if trying to ward off danger like a startled sea creature. However, Dr. Max (not his real name) handled the situation with remarkable skill. My son received his first-ever X-rays, underwent a thorough dental examination involving all sorts of tools, and left the office with a smile.
Dr. Max has an undeniable charm that makes him appealing to children. fixes hair, reapplies lip gloss
The key with all children on the spectrum is to understand how to alleviate their anxiety. Once you figure out the right approach, visits tend to go more smoothly. Conversely, if you mishandle the situation, you can create a level of panic that takes considerable time to overcome.
It seems that Dr. Max’s adept handling of my son’s anxiety left a strong impression on me, but my son didn’t recall the previous visit’s methods. During our recent appointment, he appeared anxious and was trying to maintain composure. Dr. Max opted for a gentler strategy this time. In a dramatic moment, I announced that I was stepping out to the restroom (I’ve found that things generally go better when I’m not in sight). Without missing a beat, Dr. Max assured my son, “That’s fine. I’ll just take a look at your teeth while you wait for her to come back. Everything will be alright.”
I stood just outside the door, listening as he comforted my son. When I peeked in, I saw my son in the corner with a toothbrush and toothpaste from home, while the dentist was gently cleaning his face with gauze. After the appointment, Dr. Max said, “Can you come back in three months? I believe we’ve learned that it’s best for mom to stay outside. Next time, I’ll adopt a firmer approach; it seems to resonate better with him.”
I expressed my gratitude for his understanding and patience. He replied, “Every child responds differently, sometimes even from one visit to the next.”
Exactly. Every child is unique, with distinct needs. Physicians must remember this at every appointment and meet patients where they are, much like how we approach all individuals.
Acknowledging Other Medical Professionals
Speaking of which, I want to acknowledge other medical professionals in our lives who have demonstrated similar understanding:
- To the orthotist who patiently worked with us in the back of our van for years to cast my son’s feet for braces.
- To the physical medicine doctor who began using sign language as she spoke to my son when she noticed he might not comprehend her verbal communication.
- To the hospital nurse who asked my son directly for his name, age, and school instead of addressing me in front of him.
Medical anxiety is a significant concern for many individuals on the autism spectrum. The overwhelming sensory experiences, communication barriers, and fear of the unknown can be daunting for both the patient and their caregivers. Recently, my son had a specialist appointment where he was visibly distressed. The options presented were to either hold my 12-year-old down in my lap or have two staff members restrain him on the floor.
I couldn’t help but think about how terrifying it would be if, while discussing matters, two large men suddenly held me down while a third approached me. That would surely leave me anxious about future appointments!
It might seem surprising that some doctor’s offices lack the resources to effectively accommodate their growing number of autistic patients. Still, many physicians have limited time and often lack specific training in disabilities. As parents, we strive to ensure every detail is managed for a smoother visit.
Doctors should take a cue from Dr. Max. His approach embodies the key to successfully working with all patients. Remember that they are individuals, assess their needs on any given day, and respond accordingly. We parents will handle the rest.
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In summary, understanding and patience are crucial when dealing with autistic individuals, and every interaction should be approached with care and adaptability.