Preparing Your Child With Autism For A Trip To The Optometrist
As the parent of a child with autism, you know that doctor's appointments can sometimes be difficult and stressful for your child. A visit to the optometrist may be hard, particularly if your child is nonverbal or has visual sensory overload. Here are a few things you can do to keep your child calm and ensure his or her visit to the vision center goes smoothly.
Choose A Pediatric Optometrist
Pediatric optometrists specialize in the developmental aspects of vision, so they know what to look for to help diagnose vision problems in children. Because they deal with kids every day, these eye doctors are sometimes more used to dealing with children who are scared or who are having meltdowns. When you schedule an appointment, be sure to ask if the optometrist has previous experience dealing with autistic patients or kids with special needs. Some vision centers will have both pediatric and adult optometrists, which makes it easier to find the right care provider for your child.
Use Social Stories
There are books and videos you can purchase that show your child exactly what will happen at the eye exam. These social story collections are designed for kids with autism, and they include pictures and descriptions of what to expect at the doctor's office.
Do A Trial Run
After watching or reading the social story materials, ask your optometrist if you and your child can do a practice run. Visit the office, and let your child explore the waiting room and exam room. Practice sitting in the exam seat with the lights both on and off (as the doctor may turn the lights down during the exam). If possible, ask if this can happen before the office opens to the public. Having few other people there may make your child more comfortable. You should also ask the optometrist if your child can touch some of the tools that will be used during the exam.
Choose A Secret Signal
Give your child a chance to signal when he or she needs a break during the exam. The visual stimuli used to inspect your child's vision may become overwhelming for him or her, so choose a word or hand signal that can be used to ask for a break. Take your child to a rest room or an empty office space in the practice where he or she can begin to self-calm. Bring any devices he or she uses to stay calm, such as therapeutic chewies or a weighted blanket, to help during the break. Be sure you and your child feel comfortable with the pediatric optometrist, and use these steps to ensure your child gets the vision care he or she needs.
Contact an optometrist such as Charles Richards A OD for more information.
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