Tools for Successful Vision Exams

New experiences, including medical visits, can be difficult for individuals with autism. A trip to the optometrist’s office for a vision exam is one type of medical visit that can be challenging because an eye exam may be upsetting for patients who are over-reactive to sensory input. Because exams are done infrequently, desensitization through repetitive visits does not usually occur. The video Vision Exams for Individuals with Autism and accompanying social narrative lead families and caregivers through a visit to the optometrist’s office and a full, step-by-step vision exam. These tools can also provide insight into preparing ahead of time to make the visit as smooth, anxiety-free and productive as possible.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-p-tools-successful-vision-exams

Prepare for a Doctor Visit with a "Check up Checklist"

Here's a check up checklist with a list of things a child might see and experience during a doctor visit. It features the characters from the Disney Jr. TV Show, "Doc McStuffins."

http://a.dolimg.com/en-US/disneyjunior/media/pdf/coloring_and_create/djr_col_dms_checklist.pdf

Disney Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag

 

"Going to the Doctor" Social Skill Story and Flashcards

Part of our developing activities series on doctor visits. The story explains the process of a doctor visit, and the flashcards help familiarize the child with things that he or she might see on the doctor visit.

Get both the story and the flashcards here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_doctordentist.html

Blue's Clues Eye Doctor Flash Cards

A series of printable cards that describe what happens at a visit to the eye doctor.

http://www.nickjr.com/printables/magenta-eye-exam-cards.jhtml?path=/printables/blues-clues/all-themes/all-ages/index.jhtml

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Blue's Clues - Shapes And Colors

Visit to the Eye Doctor Video (like a video Social Story)

A video for children about a visit to the eye doctor. It has great pictures and is very child-friendly (narrated by a child). It would be great for preparing for a visit to the eye doctor. There were only a few things I didn't like about it. The video talks about how scary the child thought his first visit would be. He ends up realizing it wasn't scary, but my son seemed a little unsettled when he was hearing those first statements. The child in the video also said some things (such as being afraid that the eye doctor would grab his eyes) that might make some kids nervous. The video also makes a clear point that going to the eye doctor doesn't hurt and you don't get shots like at the "regular" doctor. I thought this might make some kids more nervous about going to their regular doctor. I would watch it first and decide if you think it would help your child. Overall, my son liked the video and I think it is helping prepare him for going with me to my appointment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5utCZyDRIk4