Stress-Free Medical Visits
Waiting rooms, needles and being touched — medical visits need a preparation protocol.
Prepare, inform, accommodate
Medical settings demand waiting, unpredictability, touch and pain — a perfect storm. A working protocol: a social story with real photos of the clinic, a visual schedule of the appointment, telling the team beforehand (many hospitals have autism passports or learning-disability nurses), booking first appointments of the day to cut waiting, bringing headphones and a comfort kit, and agreeing a stop signal. For blood tests, ask about numbing cream and practice with a toy kit at home.
Key benefits
Visit story
Real photos, real steps.
Appointment schedule
Waiting included, honestly.
Tell the team
Autism passport, first slot.
Practice at home
Toy kit for blood tests.
What's included
- Medical social story templates.
- Appointment visual schedules.
- SOS card with medical info.
- Calm audio for waiting rooms.
- Timer for procedures.
- Printable preparation pack.
- Five languages.
- Free core tools.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tell the doctor about the diagnosis?+
Always — and ask what accommodations they offer before the visit.
How do I prepare for a blood test?+
Ask about numbing cream, practice with a toy medical kit, and use a visual countdown.
What if my child can't tolerate waiting?+
Book the first slot, wait outside or in the car, and ask them to call you in.
What is an autism healthcare passport?+
A one-page summary of communication, sensory and support needs for medical staff.
Can an app help?+
Yes — stories, schedules and the SOS card cover preparation and the visit itself.