For many families of children with autism, doctor appointments can be a daunting, stressful, or even traumatic experience. The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and routines—combined with long waits and physical exams—can trigger anxiety. 

Doctor or hospital visits can be stressful for anyone, but some of the characteristics of autism may make them especially challenging. 

• These visits are often outside the usual routine, and for kids who thrive on predictability, that disruption can cause significant anxiety. The unfamiliar environment, unexpected interactions, and uncertainty about what will happen can all contribute to distress. Even planned appointments can feel overwhelming when they involve new people, new places, and new expectations.

• Healthcare settings are full of sensory stimuli that can be uncomfortable or even intolerable for autistic patients. Bright fluorescent lights, the hum of machines, beeping monitors, and the crinkly paper on exam tables may seem minor to some, but for a child with sensory sensitivities, they can be deeply unsettling.  

• Medical professionals often rely heavily on spoken language, such as giving verbal instructions or asking about medical histories or symptoms. For children with communication differences, this can be confusing or frustrating. Autistic patients may not understand what is being said to them, need more time to process and respond, or have difficulty with abstract language that can be common in medical settings. For example, phrases like “sharp pain” or “burning sensation” might not make sense to someone with autism. 

Fortunately, there are proactive steps parents can take to help their child feel more comfortable and confident during medical appointments which can improve the experience for everyone. 

Before the visit: 

• Reach out to the provider to ask what autism-friendly practices they use and share your child’s specific needs.  Many healthcare settings are interested in improving their care of autistic patients, and have trained staff, materials, and processes in place to help them prepare for individualized care. 

• If possible, visit the office in advance. This can help your child feel more comfortable and familiar, and it can also help you identify any possible areas of concern. If you are not able to visit the office, find pictures of the providers and the setting to show your child. 

• Practice any necessary skills, such as sitting still or answering basic questions. If your child will have to undergo a specific procedure, ask the provider what to expect or if they have any pictures or social stories that can help. 

• Reinforcement strategies—like earning a small reward—can also help motivate and reassure your child. Agreeing on a reasonable expectation and reward you can follow through on ahead of time can be helpful.  

During the visit: 

• Advocate for your child by explaining their communication style and sensory needs. While many healthcare providers are improving their use of autism-friendly practices, the reality is that many parents may need work to help medical staff understand how important this information is. 

• Bring and use comfort items that can serve to calm and distract your child. Things such as music, iPads, fidget toys, or favorite stuffies can all help your child manage any anxiety and distress the appointment is causing them. Work with healthcare providers to use them in a way that works for your child and doesn’t interfere with any medical procedures. 

• Provide tons of verbal praise and anything that serves as an effective reinforcer for your child throughout the appointment. 

After the visit: 

• Follow through on any agreed upon rewards if your child earned them. 

• Connect with your healthcare provider to discuss things that went well and anything that didn’t. Ask that they document any of the autism-friendly practices and individualized care that was effective in your child’s chart. 

• Talk with your child’s behavioral or educational providers about skills that your child may need to work on. Some children with autism really struggle with medical appointments and may not be able to navigate them safely. There are behavioral interventions that can be implemented by an experienced clinician with great success. 

Children with autism often have co-occurring medical conditions that require them to experience more doctor’s appointments, medical procedures, and hospital stays than neurotypical children. And unfortunately, many autistic people struggle with their healthcare interactions. They often express lower patient satisfaction, and some parents report they avoid all but the most necessary appointments. Luckily, with strategies outlined here and with support from behavioral providers, you can help your child be more comfortable and successful during medical appointments. Your preparation, support, and advocacy can help set your child up for a healthier future! 

And remember that these resources as well as the suggestions in this blog are not individual-specific. Always connect with your child’s healthcare, educational, and behavioral providers.