Doctor visits can be stressful for everyone. Use this checklist to help set your family up for success.

BEFORE THE VISIT

  • Call your healthcare physician to explore any potential accommodations for the visit.
  • Play doctor using a doctor's kit with your child.
  • Prepare a bag of favorite games and activities to bring along for the visit.
  • Create a strategy for dealing with any potential triggers your child may have.
  • Prepare any visual aids you might need.
  • Read a social story. Consider using this social story we've developed, https://www.kansasbehavior.com/resource/im-going-to-the-doctor 


DURING THE VISIT

  • Utilize visual aids
  • Don't wait until things start to go bad; use reinforcers constantly during the visit.
  • Save some reinforcers for later in the visit (such as an exclusive reinforcer if there is a lengthy wait time).
  • Before they do anything, ask the doctor and nurse to explain what they are doing.


 

AFTER THE VISIT

  • After the visit, engage in something that your child really enjoys.
  • Keep track of unforeseen challenges so you can prepare for them in the future.
  • For your social story, take notes.


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