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Using picture schedules in medical settings for patients with an autism spectrum disorder

Amy Chebuhar1, Ann Marie McCarthy, Joni Bosch

  • 1Southeast Polk Community School District, South, Altoona, IA, USA. Amy.chebuhar@southeastpolk.org

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|June 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Picture schedules can reduce anxiety in children with autism during medical visits. This innovative approach improves communication and interaction for autistic patients in healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiological disorders
  • Pediatric healthcare
  • Behavioral interventions

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting communication and social interaction.
  • Anxiety is common in autistic individuals, especially in unfamiliar environments like medical settings.
  • Current literature lacks studies on using visual aids for autistic children in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of picture schedules in alleviating anxiety for children with autism in medical settings.
  • To explore an innovative method for improving patient-provider interaction with autistic children.
  • To address the communication and anxiety challenges faced by autistic patients during healthcare encounters.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot project was conducted involving children with autism.
  • Picture schedules tailored for medical settings were implemented.
  • The impact on patient anxiety and interaction was observed and assessed.

Main Results:

  • The use of picture schedules in medical settings was shown to relieve anxiety in children with autism.
  • This visual support method facilitated better communication and interaction.
  • The pilot project provided preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of this intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Picture schedules represent a promising, innovative tool for managing anxiety in autistic children during medical appointments.
  • This approach can enhance the healthcare experience for patients with autism.
  • Further research is warranted to validate and expand the use of visual schedules in pediatric healthcare for autistic individuals.

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