Pediatrician visits with ASD child

Mammina

Wondering if anyone's doctor makes any accommodations for a child with an ASD or other developmental disorders? Had another painful experience at the pediatrician today and I am thoroughly drained. DS loses it with doctors and he always ends up thrashing and screaming in the room once the visit is over. Today it carried over into the waiting room as well. Tons of parents making believe they weren't staring as my child trashed the place and mother of the year not doing enough to stop it. Good times.

Part of the problem is the waiting and the buildup of anxiety beforehand, .He goes in to the exam room already tense and on the verge of a meltdown. Once it's over, he releases his emotions such that we generally have to lock ourselves in there until he is spent.

I know many moms here don't have these types of behavioral issues, but I guess I'm just wondering if there is something we can ask of the staff & doctors to improve the situation. Is it unreasonable to ask to not wait? Can the doctor visit my son in my car, or on the street corner (partially kidding) Anything? .I dread taking DS to the doctor like nothing else.

 

 

 

ToastieSimons

My son doesn't have behavioral issues as part of his diagnosis.  However, our pedi had a daughter with Down Syndrome so she was very accomodating for parents of children with special needs.  She offered to allow us to be first on the schedule (15 minutes prior to office hours) so there was absolutely no wait or at lunch time so the entire office was empty or end of day.  For us it didn't make much of a difference outside of naptimes with 2 little kids, but I'm sure for others it's a huge deal.

I would discuss it with your doctor personally.  Explain the situation, see if there is a middle ground.   

AgrippaRidesAgain

How old is your son?  We have had our share of horrific visits.  Four people holding him down for shots, rolling around on the floor melting down because of the paper gown they tried to make him wear, screaming, crying, gagging because he's so upset, the works.  For him, it's also due to getting himself worked up through anxiety combining with sensory problems.

We had to find the right person within our practice.  She's actually the doctor that specializes in adolescents, but she just clicks with DS.  Somehow, she calms him down when she walks in the room like no one else can do--even me.

I also think he had to grow up some.  Our four year old appointment was significantly better than our three year old appointment.  Part of it was probably growing up, and part of it was probably due to going to all of DD's appointments.  She has had a lot b/c she was a baby and underweight, so we've had a lot of weight checks.  He likely got used to being there.

One thing I have started doing is letting him video games while we're waiting.  He's able to focus on them and ignore both his anxiety and what's happening around him.  Probably not the best plan in terms of teaching him coping, but that's what works for now.

lite-bright

I don't have much advice, except one specific suggestion to consider. I know my DD1 was uncomfortable with the gowns she's supposed to wear since she turned three. 

So I bring her own kid-sized robe, much warmer, softer and covering than the skimpy thin standard ones. The doctor's office is pretty much the only time we use it, so I buy one a couple of sizes up so it lasts us a few years/visits. 

I think the suggestion to ask for the first appointment of the day or the possibility to come in early is a really good one, though.  

Edit: is a concierge doctor out of the question in your area? It'd probably be expensive, but it might be something to think about if you wanted to side-step a traditional pedi/office setting altogether and have someone who could come to your home for well-checks.

Mammina

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions! DS is 3.5 and when we talk about what's going to happen and what the visit will entail, he is calm and understands. The same goes for after the meltdown. He can talk through what happened and even why , but he loses all semblance of rational thought and self control once he sees the doctor. I will talk with the doc and see if we can come to some understanding about easing dSs anxiety.

Continued thanks. Just having the forum to talk about these things eases some of my own anxiety.