Tips for navigating the special needs world with your child’s doctor
Finding the right doctor is especially important for children with special needs, who often require more frequent doctor visits and a higher level of medical attention.
Editor's note: This is the first of a two part series on fostering strong and trusting relationships between physicians and children with special needs and their family members.
We all want the best medical care for our children, and a crucial part of obtaining proper care is finding a doctor who is knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate. Finding the right doctor is especially important for children with special needs, who often require more frequent doctor visits and a higher level of medical attention.
My 15-year-old daughter, Annie, has been to dozens of doctors and specialists because she has autism spectrum disorder and a few other mental health diagnoses. When she was diagnosed before she turned 2-years-old, I immediately knew I needed to find a good doctor. But more than that, I quickly learned that I needed to work closely with our pediatrician to make the most of Annie's appointments and her overall care.
Below are some tips to help foster a positive relationship with your child's doctor:
Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns. There can be so many issues and worries to address when you learn your child has special needs that it can sometimes be overwhelming. I always kept a folder with Annie's medical information, any new test results or recommendations, and a sticky pad full of questions I compiled since the prior appointment. I brought this folder to each doctor visit. Being prepared allowed me to fill the doctor in on Annie's most recent therapies and medical concerns, and gave me the opportunity to ask specific questions I had been saving up for that visit.
Get to know the office staff. The nurses, physician assistants and administrators at your doctor's office are incredibly important people. Take time to get to know them – and vice versa. They can make a significant difference in the quality of the appointment. For example, I would send a holiday card to our doctor's office every year with a note from our family. Sometimes, I'd even drop by with a fruit basket or something unexpected to say "thank you." In my experience, these gestures went a long way.
Take one or two "test runs". Even at a very young age, Annie knew when we were going to the doctor. She would begin to cry and tantrum when we turned onto the street where the doctor's office was located. She had a lot of anxiety, which quickly turned into my own anxiety. So we worked with our pediatrician to "plan" Annie's visits. At the start of the appointment, Annie would sit in the waiting room for a few minutes and be called back to a room. The doctor would pop by and say "Hi," and then Annie would get a small prize. The next visit, we extended the wait, and she let the doctor listen to her heart and check her ears. Then, Annie got another prize. Over time, Annie realized her doctor was kind – not someone to be feared. Today, Annie feels very comfortable with her doctor. In fact, she will even ask him to check her ears!
Speak up if you aren't sure of something. True partnership means both the parents and the doctor feel free to ask important questions. This means two things: giving truthful and complete answers to the doctor, and feeling comfortable to ask your doctor questions. This open and honest collaboration allows the doctor and caregiver to make appropriate medical decisions together, without feeling judged or worried about repercussions.
Your relationship with your children's doctor is essential to making sure they receive the attentive, informed and comprehensive care they deserve. By investing time in that relationship, you and your doctor (together) will help your child to thrive.
Amy Kelly has three children: Danny, Annie and Ryan. Annie is diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, verbal apraxia, intellectual and developmental disabilities and general anxiety disorder. In addition to her position at Devereux, Kelly participates with other patients and families in efforts supported by the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation and the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network to address children with special needs and the importance of quality care.