Easing the Pain of Seeing a Doctor for Children with Special Needs

Tips to help ease the pain of a trip to the doctor or a surgical procedure for children with special needs.

When a child with special needs is sick, the entire process of diagnosis, treatment and healing can be more difficult. For parents and caregivers, surgery adds another level of complexity. Many parents ask themselves: Will my child understand what is happening? How much should I tell her? How will the healing process change our routine? Health care practitioners want to provide the very best care for your child, and their knowledge combined with your understanding of your child’s unique needs can help to get the best outcome. Use the following tips to help ease the pain of a trip to the doctor or a surgical procedure for children with special needs.

Nonverbal Children

For children with limited communication, diagnosis can be a guessing game. Nonverbal children may understand much more than they are able to articulate, especially with a nonparent. Sometimes drawing pictures or watching television shows can help explain the process when words are difficult.

Autism/ADHD

Parents and caregivers often find that children with autism thrive with a schedule and reliable routine. Knowing what to expect can help children diagnosed with autism. In advance of an appointment, drive to the hospital or doctor’s office, and walk into the building to help demystify the process. Your physician or hospital should be able to make these arrangements.

Sometimes, special anesthesia issues can arise with children on the autism spectrum, due to higher levels of anxiety and trouble conforming to the therapeutic process. Communication with your physician or surgeon is key; mention all medications, homeopathic remedies and natural supplements. Don’t be embarrassed by or hide any treatment you currently are receiving.

Physical Disability

For a child with any disability, continuity of care is extremely important. If you are seeing a specialist for anything from cerebral palsy to Down syndrome or a mitochondrial disorder, advocate that your child’s doctors communicate with each other. If your physician or surgeon is unable to accommodate your needs, seek another option or a second opinion.

Pre-Operation Tips:

• Share what you know. You know your child’s needs best. Share these needs with the medical team.
• Speak up! Advocate for your child, especially as she comes out of sedation.
• Time it right. In non-urgent cases, it is OK to postpone or reschedule if it is not the best time for your child to go through the procedure. Just talk to your child’s doctor and medical team as soon as possible.

Dr. Andrew Schulman is a board-certified pediatric surgeon at Pediatric Surgical Associates.