Taking an autistic child to the doctor: a visual plan for a calmer appointment

A strange room, a stranger who wants to touch you, cold instruments and a long wait first. A short story, a bit of play practice and a stop signal change the whole thing.

Tell the surgery

When you book, say your child is autistic and ask for the first appointment of the day or one straight after a break, so the wait is short. Ask if you can wait in the car and be called in. Many practices will put a note on the record.

Practise with a toy doctor’s kit

Look in teddy’s ears, listen to teddy’s chest with a spoon, press on teddy’s tummy. Let your child be the doctor. Read the doctor story the night before and in the waiting room.

Agree a stop signal

‘Hand up means stop and the doctor stops.' Tell the doctor at the start, and make sure it’s honoured; trust is built in the first visit. Your child can sit on your lap for the examination.

Bring

Ear defenders, a fidget, a tablet.
A written list of what you want to say, so you’re not trying to remember it while managing your child.
A sticker or a small reward for afterwards, whatever happened.

Make the free story first

Type your child’s name and get “Sam goes to the doctor” as a picture story: one picture and one sentence a page, in their name. Read it a few times before the day, then take it with you. Print it, save it as a PDF, or read it in the Now & Next app with every routine as a story too.

Make the story (free) Open the app

Kits that go with this guide

Everything bundle (£14.99): Every kit in the shop in one download: 24 kits and 500+ picture cards, plus the Card Maker. Save £74.27.

Written by a dad to an autistic son with ADHD. This is everyday parenting advice, not medical or therapy advice. If you’re worried about your child, talk to your GP, health visitor or school SENCo.