Dr. Kimberly Terry M.D. shares seven invaluable tips on how to maximize trips to the pediatrician:

1) Communicate In Advance: When you make the appointment, let the receptionist know your child has special needs. Many offices will schedule extra time for our special kids.

2) Schedule Smart: If you have flexibility with the day of appointment, such as for a well visit try and schedule for quiet days. In our office midweek, Wednesday tends to be a quieter day. Most pediatric offices are quieter in the late spring and all of summer.

3) Tell A Story: Prepare your child with a personal narrative of what will happen during the visit and then practice what will happen during the visit using any one of the following methods:

• Role play with parents, siblings or toys.
• Download the Model Me Kids app and show your child the video about what it’s like to go to the doctor’s office.

http://modelmekids.com/community-social-skills-autism.html

• Create a visual schedule of the visit (i.e. getting in the car, driving to the office, going to the office, sitting in the waiting room, getting vital signs checked, going into the exam room, etc.).

4) Team Up: Bring a friend or relative to help with the visit.

5) Stock Up: Bring your child’s favorite toys or comforting items.

6) Be Patient: It may take time for your child to warm up to the visit and for the doctor to figure out how to accomplish the exam. Be patient with the process. It will improve over time.

7) Celebrate Success: After the visit, let your child know he/she did a great job by taking a trip to the park or doing another favorite activity. This will help reinforce the successful visit.

And throughout the process, remember that it is a privilege and joy for your doctor and staff to care for your exceptional child.

Dr. Kimberly Terry is a pediatrician in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.