Preparing Your Child with Autism for a Hospital Stay

Gearing up for a surgical procedure can be scary, especially for an autistic child. Here are tips to make the journey easier for you both.

Being informed that your child requires surgery is not the news that any parent wants to hear. Preparing your child with autism to undergo this entire experience will take careful planning and timing on your part.

Here are 10 simple tips for making a stay at the hospital more successful for your child.

1. Explain autism to your doctor

Most doctors know what autism is. However, that doesn’t mean that they understand how autism affects your particular child. You know the kinds of things that frighten your child. You know the best procedures for comforting your child when their fears are heightened. There may be specific things in the environment that you know will “trigger” your child with autism. All of these things will need to be shared with your doctor. This will help the doctor in offering you better guidance as you begin this journey together.

Once you know that your child will be facing surgery, it is imperative that you involve them in the process immediately. Sit down with them and explain what the process may entail. See if your autistic child has any questions they need to have answered. Evaluate their level of anxiety and try to reduce it by calmly reassuring them about the process.

3. Involve your child’s teacher

Let your child’s teacher know about their upcoming surgery. This will help the teacher be prepared for any questions that your child may have while at school. Your child’s teacher can also assist you with developing a plan to keep your child caught up with their studies while they are in the hospital or home recovering.

4. Explain pain

Your child may be currently experiencing pain due to their health condition. Explain to them that after surgery, they may still experience some pain or discomfort. Let your child know that the doctor may give them some medicine that could cause drowsiness but will help with their pain. Then, after a period of time, they will begin to feel better again.

Your autistic child may also be curious about pain during the surgery. You may need to explain the concept of “anesthesia” to your child. You can simply explain that they will go to sleep and when the surgery is over you’ll be there waiting for them.

5. Locate other children

You probably won’t have to look far to locate some local children who have had surgeries. Set up a time for your child to visit or play with them. This will allow your child to ask questions in a natural and comfortable environment. It will also allow your child to gain a better perspective of their upcoming surgery and hospital stay from a peer.

6. Make a trip to the hospital

Call the hospital that will be conducting your child’s surgery. Let them know you have a child with autism. Ask them if you can make a visit to the hospital and tour one of the rooms used for children. It may help your child reduce their anxiety if they can see the room they may stay in during their own surgery. Meeting some of the nurses may also prove to be beneficial to your child.

7. Read books about hospital stays

You can help to prepare your child for their hospital stay by reading books about the topic to your child. Some great books about hospital stays include:

• Franklin Goes to the Hospital by Paulette Bourgeois
• My Hospital Stay by Sarina Thompson
• Curious George Goes to the Hospital by Margret Rey
• Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor by Stan & Jan Berenstain

8. Packing

Getting ready to go to the hospital is a great way to engage your child in the process of preparing for their surgery. Let your child select the suitcase they want to bring to carry their items. Let them bring some of their favorite items, such as a toy, book, blanket, stuffed animal, pillow, or video game.

9. Ride in a wheelchair

Your autistic child may not be comfortable with riding in a wheelchair. They may wonder why the hospital requires them to sit in a wheelchair, especially if they are not having any trouble walking. Let them know that when you arrive at the hospital (and when you leave) the nurse will want them to sit in a wheelchair.

10. Plan for recovery

Every surgery is different. Your child may stay in the hospital or at home during their recovery period. Reassure your child that they won’t be alone. Let them know that you’ll stay with them or have another trusted adult with them. If they need to stay in bed at home during their recovery, let them know that you’ll do special things for them. You could cook one of their favorite dishes and serve it to them in their bedroom, read a favorite book to them, watch a movie together, or even play one of their favorite board or video games with them.