OBVIOUS Medical Accommodations for Autistic People (and Everyone, Really) 🚑 ⛑️ 🩺

I had a positive medical experience when taking my daughter to her initial consultation for oral surgery. I came home and shot this video with the hope that other medical professionals might see this and make these very simple, FREE accommodations to improve the neurodivergent medical experience.
Without proper accommodations, the autistic experience is full of sensory discomfort and social overwhelm which prevents many of us from scheduling and following through with important medical care.
Please share this video with any medical professionals you may know! What else would you add to the list?
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DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, KZbin Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, KZbin channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.
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#latediagnosedautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult

[@passaggioalivello]

It's sad when kindness is the exception.

[@LoveCrumb]

I have enough medical trauma for 100 people and unfortunately I live with a hoard of chronic health issues that require constant interactions with the medical system, and make basic things, like teeth cleaning, very stressful and painful for me. I can't work because I have to take so much time with appointments and taking care of my body. One experience like this would go such a long way to help me to feel safe and like I have autonomy in a medical situation. I hope this becomes standard in the future and I'm so glad you got to experience this! Thank you for sharing- it gives me hope!

[@brianfoster4434]

this should be normal - even for NT people

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Agreed! It is simple, affordable and easily replicable across different fields of medicine.

[@thomgoblin8725]

When I have had especially stressful or unfamiliar doctors appointments to attend in the past, a few times I've brought a supportive friend as my notetaker/assistant. It helps so much just to know that I'll have a record of everything we spoke about when I leave, and I can focus on listening and communicating instead of worrying about remembering it all. Sometimes I'll tell my friend the big questions I want to ask in advance, so they can remind me if I forget to ask something during the appointment. It's unbelievably helpful.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is a great idea! thanks for sharing.

[@loniwilliams82]

I hope more practitioners catch into this. I'm always like in tears of joy for hearing of positive interactions. Great job everyone. I have a huge distrust in medical practices. I also worked for an insurance company. So knowing the ins and out having my mom misdiagnosed and ignored. I'm happy for those who get the service they need.

[@Havan44]

I’m a nurse working in primary care and this was a very informative video! I was relieved that everything you said was either stuff I’ve already been trying to intentionally do (for everyone not just neurodivergent people) and the ones I hadn’t already thought of/haven’t implemented yet are generally pretty straightforward and seem easy enough to try to start implementing.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for watching and learning! It means a lot that you care about our needs.

[@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334]

I'm autistic and a nurse. I take notes to try my best and also to help my colleagues to understand the importance of this.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for learning and also for the work you do!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for learning and also for the work you do!

[@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334]

​@@MomontheSpectrum 🙏🏻🙏🏻😊.

[@miseentrope]

This is kind care. I've been in some terrible care situations with my pets, elderly parents, and myself. I will no longer tolerate poor health care. People need to speak up and if unable have others voice loudly what you just did. We deserve care and compassion. Thank you Taylor for highlighting this great care situation. 🥰 There ought to be a network of ND patient-reviewed practices. I'd love that!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Your'e very welcome and thank you for your comment!

[@cammie49]

My dentist texted me THIS morning about 1.5 hours before my appt…which for me as ADHD (ASD) was just so helpful! I also loved how they asked my nickname and came to get me asking not Ms _ or formal name but by my nickname! My fear level dropped a notch just from that! Also, when I explained how scared I was at my crown appt and how the TV helped, she asked me if I wanted TV for my cleaning and, YES, I did. But I would not have asked. What wimp needs that. Ok me…sensitivity central! My stress bucket fills up with all the poking and scraping even when it doesn’t technically hurt. I had her put on pbs cartoons! Bright colors and predictable little stories are so distracting and calming. I sensed zero judgement from this 20 something woman that a 62 year old wanted to watch cartoons! She also took her time, let me fully answer questions and let pauses happen so I could process and always told me what was going to happen next and asked if I was okay with her doing that next thing. I felt very heard, seen and validated throughout the 45 min appointment. A+ to my new dentist for neurodivergent patient

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I'm so glad you had a positive medical experience as well! Thanks for sharing more about it here so we can all keep learning.

[@BuckEboo]

Glad you had a good experience. We use a similar method in our practice. We ask open ended questions for any concerns the patient might have, we ask for questions multiple times before we end each appointment and we provide our direct phone numbers if they think of any questions or concerns after the appointment. There has been a push in the last several years for patient-centered care so it sounds like the practice you visited is on board.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is great to hear!! 🕺

[@whitneymason406]

So glad you had such a positive experience! 👏💞

[@taggah2000]

Notes for doctors: you’re not that special or unique. Many people have harder jobs that take more skill or intelligence. Many people are closer to life and death decision than you. Most of what you do can be easily looked up and applied by a laymen. What you provide is actually customer experience. Behave accordingly.

[@visionvixxen]

Exactly! And front desk people - and insurances also… the worst part is insurance and who pays and groups and businesses have made this even worse for the doctors that care!!!! They are forced to cram everything into a crazy quick 10 minutes or just one complaint per appt. The way medicine is conducted because it’s no longer private practice and the way insurance is run has crippled everyone. I’m not sure how we fight back

[@saradarwin9144]

Some of the accommodations I’ve appreciated have been mask exemptions, being able to pick how I would sit or lay, being able to “help” with certain procedures, having warm blankets provided, and having them seek informed consent at every step. I also appreciate the medical staff that allow me to accompany my ND child even though he’s at the age where that isn’t commonly done. There are more, but I can’t remember them right now. It was difficult to disclose previous medical related trauma and my neurodivergence, but the accommodations made it worthwhile. I’ve only had one physician outright refuse to accommodate me, and two dental offices that were awful. Office staff are usually the hardest as they like to be gatekeepers, so even with accommodations, I do usually have to remind those staff members when I first arrive. But most others try at least on some level.

[@Cora-wh1rr]

Accommodation suggestion - Clear instructions. Its such a simple thing that nobody gets right. This just kinda highlights that my last experience at the Doctors(last week) was not just my autism sensory issues. It wasnt ok. They sent my paperwork before my appointment to fill out. The instructions told me to fill out the paperwork and bring it with me. (Ive asked several people now and they all agree with me), when I got there the lights were too bright and the lady behind the counter was yelling at me (probably not yelling in a physical sense but it definitely felt like it) about how they canceled my appointment because I didnt turn in the paperwork before the appointment. Then she made me sit in the waiting room with a whole bunch of other people and a woman who wore too much perfume and fill out all the paperwork AGAIN on an app which took me over an hour and Im sure I messed it up. Otherwise she wasnt going to reschedule my appointment. Which she could only get for july. I somehow managed to hold it in until I got to my car before totally melting down which is a miracle. Its the worse meltdown ive had in a number of years. I feel like you didnt need all that, I tend to ramble, sorry. But videos like this give me hope that I'll eventually find who I need. Thank you for sharing your experience and good luck to your daughter!

[@lesliegann2737]

I don't think you were rambling. Anyone would have good reason to be upset about the treatment you got.

[@visionvixxen]

Thank you for writing your story. Everything about how the medical field is run is like this/ especially unhelpful front desk staff- and it’s bad enough for NT’s much much much more traumatic for us. Especially the parts of what to do online, patient portals changing, insursnce checks and double checks and price transparency and enough time to be able to say what you need to say or ask questions or even… anyway, it’s a lot Medicine has changed in a bad way and there needs to be listening and caring and customer service and less being run by top down companies and dictated by insurance about time spent, codes and prescriptions. This makes you… anyway- it hurts my head,so. I’m proud of you surviving that experience but training for staff and everyone- legislation against how thing s are run should be mandatory!

[@hartplanet356]

If a medical person is giving you a panic attack, then ask if there is someone available that is good with dealing with people who are having a panic attack. Personal experience: I could not get staple stitches out due to panic attacks. They booked an operating room to give me sedation. A nurse finally came in and said she would take care of me. She was able to calm me down and take the staples out. Cancelled the sedation.

[@c0niferal]

One thing that we can do to encourage this also is, as you did - give positive feedback when organisations do it right. Verbally at the time or as an email afterwards, it can be really helpful to give positive feedback & reinforcement of stuff that's helpful to & inclusive of neurodiversity

[@llareia]

My current GP is the only doctor I've ever had who has done this: (I've moved around a lot and had lots of doctors) He asked if I had any other questions or concerns to talk about (already a rare thing), and when I said, "umm...", he said, "It's ok, take your time, I want to make sure I answer everything," and then he waited quietly for me to think, with body language that said he was not in a rush. EVERY other doctor who's ever asked if I've had any questions has immediately jumped in after the "umm" to close out the conversation and the appointment. Like I get that waiting in silence can be hard, but the intentionality of it made me feel so comfortable and like he actually WANTS to hear my answer. Which makes it easier to process and think. I was up front with him at the start of the appointment and told him I've gotten really nervous around doctors (I wasn't when I was young) because I've had so many negative experiences, so I don't know if he changed his behavior because of that, but I think he is genuinely like that with everyone. I loved it!

[@carolinemayes4450]

I’m so glad you had a good appointment. It’s so hard to go to the doctor. Everybody would be better going to the doctor if all the doctors cared this much.

[@Warspite03]

make a list …and then immediately hate it.😂 (That’s from the bingo card. )

[@MomontheSpectrum]

haha yesss 💯

[@karenjohnson1523]

It’s not so simple otherwise everyone would do it. It would be wonderful if all medical places did that but they don’t. Neuro-typical people would benefit from this approach.

[@delirifacient]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Also, didn't realize that you were in a rural Texas town (or at least the dentist's office is). That must add a whole layer of difficulty to being an autistic woman. I'm in a mid-sized Louisiana town. Lots of masking, lots of scripting. I've given lots of doctors a try and find that when they're not educated about adult autism it is *always* incredibly stressful. I'm finding that the younger generation of practitioners is more informed and more open-minded though, like the people you describe at the dentist's office. Just like you say it is really simple, and not that hard!

[@wolfdreams2000]

They are so thorough and respectful that they make more of a difference than they realize, and how deeply appreciative we are to clinicians who practice in this manner 😊 Thanks Taylor 🧡

[@nryane]

I appreciate your videos. Due to my auditory processing, I tend to have closed captioning on. Not all people talk as clearly as you do. I appreciate that were nervous and stressed by your day and I noticed that you kept your hand off your mouth for the latter two-thirds of the video. It was easier to understand because I could see your mouth better. What I do for many of my medical appointments is to write down any questions I may have for the doctor. My notes help me to remember. I’ve suggested that older friends either take someone with them, to advocate for them, or make sure that they write out their questions. Memory challenges can make procedures and the taking of medications for us elder patients difficult. Having instructions written out for us helps us.

[@Genin99]

I talked about my orthodontist before Dr Beth Prosterman, who naturally has the ability to comfort her patients. I've also learned that Dr Prosterman is a mom and she's the daughter of an orthodontist. So she's no stranger to a kid's point of view.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

That's super important!

[@vanessaprestoncreative]

Before my child was diagnosed, I occasionally would write a note (brief dot points) that I'd secretly slip to the receptionist at potentially stressful appointments, explaining a few relevant things at the time: severe needle phobia, fear of male medical professionals, possible inability to speak up for herself despite presenting as a friendly, intelligent teenager. It was hit and miss but at least I felt like I was trying something to give her a positive experience. A discreet note was helpful so my child/ teen didn't feel embarrassed if I had to explain those things verbally (which is also not my strong suit). I love the idea of your printable. Perhaps it could include space for individuals to write 3-5 dot points of their own specific fears, accommodations, needs, preferences etc.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Love the idea of writing notes! Written communication can be so helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@dallinorr6929]

This is it. This is all we need.

[@Farmchic3185]

My orthodontist was similar. While he didnt send a video he was calm and gentle during visits. I obviously cant talk with his hands in my mouth but he talked calmly and told stories, often bringing the assistants into the convo and joking around. All in all a pretty comfortable experience. Also he doesnt take you in a closed of room. The exam/work space is a separated by a half door, is a big room like 30ftx20ft by like 25 ft high, with 4 or 5 exam chairs. Danglies (think baby mobile ish) hanging from the ceiling. Very open, calm, nothing was super bright or over stimulating. You could call him by his first name. I wish all offices were like that.

[@Farmchic3185]

This is dr Brad kenzior in franklin pa.

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

My regular doctors are all like this, but they don’t take insurance. My experiences with insurance doctors (like at hospitals or walk in clinics, or the odd specialist) have been very different. When I speak from a place of confidence, I’m rarely taken seriously, and often dismissed. It’s only when I act like I’m fine and try to nudge the doctor into figuring things out for herself that she will take things seriously, which is difficult to do (I’m not good with that whole “playing games” type of thing). They also have very little time, don’t like questions, and often interpret any questions as being argumentative, or saying I just won’t follow their recommendations. I don’t understand it. I just want to understand why they’re recommending something, and the full consequences of it. They rarely - if ever - follow proper procedure for informed consent, which angers me greatly. I have a huge mistrust in the healthcare community at large. And the worst was when face masks were required at every doctor’s office and clinic, without exception. I have a sensory issue with masks, and wearing them caused me to have panic attacks. This was completely dismissed and I was denied necessary care on several occasions due to not being able to wear a mask. It was inhumane. Other countries, including the U.K., Canada, and Australia had exemptions for those who couldn’t wear a masks, but the U.S. refused.

[@lesliegann2737]

I relate to much of what you had to say. Starting in March, I had cataract surgery on both my eyes, first one, then the other, plus all the other appointments before and after. I was confused by the seeming friendly demeanor of the surgeon, yet I got the clear message that he does the talking and I'm to be obedient and not ask any questions. I'm always on my best behavior at the doctors like a good girl but I did have a couple of questions and I detected a certain irritation about that as if I'm being argumentative. As usual, it took me a couple of visits to figure that out. It just felt triggering to me as if I'm being treated like a child, or as a ditzy woman or wondering what I'm dong wrong. Having CPTSD didn't help matters. It is flabbergasting to me the level of low awareness in many medical offices and hospitals. As to wearing a mask, for me it feels a little claustrophobic but my issue with it is that there was a notice at this eye doctor's office that you will be asked to leave if you cough. I sometimes cough a little due to allergies and when I'm nervous. So that scared me right off the bat. I hate that black and white thinking that if I dared to cough that must mean I have a transmittable disease just like in Covid days. I managed to do OK but I hate to wonder if I had to cough and then be humiliated by being told to leave by the front desk in front of the patients. If that had happened I know I'd get exasperated and annoyed, only to be considered a threat like I'm a criminal.

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

@@lesliegann2737 I can really relate to the coughing issue. Especially during the pandemic, any cough would get looks of distrust, as if to say, “How dare you show yourself in public!” Even though, like you, I’ll cough due to allergies, nerves, or even drinking and eating. Cough alone doesn’t automatically mean someone has a transmittable disease, and that black and white thinking can be very damaging. Whenever I’m actually contagious, I stay away from others to the best of my ability.

[@lesliegann2737]

@@user-no2mz9hl4f Thanks for your supportive comment as it can feel like I'm the only person with this issue. It is a shame that many medical offices and hospitals have such low awareness of the patient's experience.

[@tamaramartinez8985]

​@@lesliegann2737I developed asthmatic bronchitis 5 months before COVID and coughed almost nonstop for the next 5 years. I'm still coughing, though not quite as much. The last 4 years of fear around COVID have made it difficult to be in public as one with a chronic cough. The masks were torture. I feel like I'm suffocating with anything on my face as it is and when I'm struggling to breathe because of a chronic cough that makes wearing a mask infinitely worse. I never got COVID. My husband and 7 children have all had it at least once and I never got sick even though I nursed every one of them through their illnesses and didn't make them isolate themselves from me. Go figure. I know some NDs for whom wearing a mask themselves and seeing everyone else with a mask on helped them feel safe and grounded.

[@amandab7101]

Love this! Are you familiar with All Brains Belong? You would probably be interested if not. Dr. Houser just did a webinar that I got to see, and I think they have weekly talks. They specialize in seeing neurodivergent patients. Anyway, I'm working on writing a book and will eventually be starting my own channel on how to advocate for yourself in medical settings (especially as a neurodivergent person), because I've had so many serious issues missed or misdiagnosed (including metastatic cancer 11 years ago). Thanks so much for your advocacy!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I think I've heard of All Brains Belong but haven't looked into it. Thanks for reminding me! And yay glad to hear you're interested in advocacy work yourself. :)

[@visionvixxen]

Thank you so much- this is so important- for all people- and Neurodivergents especially…..

[@jamieolson4604]

I Cried like puppies were dying, Leaky and drippy. Let's all fear my first future panic attack together. May God save the animals

[@dawnjanz]

As a nurse (and autistic) I found this fascinating

[@Sing4God87]

That is so great! I've been dreading going to the doctor but its so comforting to know that other people understand and have had good experiences!

[@andyvan5692]

wow!, finally, a Neurodivergent centred style of appointment, my dentist is the same, a video, but one thing, not just introducing the people, its having the SAME people!!, a consistent line of communication/interaction- so we don't have to start from scratch all the time. Another tip, if you have to use needles, THINK first!- a topical on the 'prick' site, and a small gauge needle! to help with the sensations, so we only feel a dull motion, not the hot, piercing sensation of the tip going in!!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Great pointers about the needles. Thanks for sharing!

[@larryk731]

I guess I am the exception to the rule - a (probably) neurodivergent Asd person 56 year old who wants to know as little as possible with respect to medical procedures. My formerly extreme needle phobia and squeamisness (sought treatment for the needle part in 2020 and got down to a level where I tolerate them without passing out) probably is why. When I need a blood draw, my doctor (or his nurse) does that themselves instead of sending me to a lab and allows me to fully distract myself with loud headphone music and stays silent so I may get through it.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing this perspective! It is also important to consider different people's preferences and experiences.

[@vanessaprestoncreative]

I can relate ... now that my daughter is better able to articulate what she needs, she prefers them to just get on with it. I think she dissociates. She had severe needle phobia as a child and young teen and for a few years needed partial sedation for blood tests, but is now sometimes better than me at tolerating them.

[@larryk731]

@@vanessaprestoncreative I guess I disassociate by choice - I never gave it that much thought before

[@davidlanier7006]

I use a tranquilizer for a situation like you described.

[@larryk731]

Too loud Bruce Springsteen music works for me

[@Hermitthecog]

Had to stop at the mention of the doctor's introductory walkthrough video - that in itself is a groundbreaking accommodation!

[@pikmin4743]

even though dealing with my insurance has been frustrating af, they started asking if there's any other questions they can answer before they transfer me. it is quite nice

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Glad to hear this!

[@maiyapercy]

It is wonderful that you found such a good doctor. Did you tell them that you are autistic when scheduling the appointment? I have so many medical appointments at the moment and it always stresses me out. Could sleep for days afterwards.

[@shellmcphee971]

I had blood work and an ECG today, and the tech was fantastic. She took 5-10 extra minutes to talk books with me (a shared passion) while drawing blood and it was so helpful. We exchanged recommendations and I hardly noticed the needle going in!🥰

[@KElizG]

I’m so thankful for you.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🙏

[@jmaessen3531]

This is amazing! Well done team. I dont like surprises either, especially in medical facilities. 🎉 (Edited for typo)

[@crashspyrofan98]

Happy Mother’s Day 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼mom on the spectrum

[@patricialomden8519]

I noticed you mentioning things like “smiling,” “body language,” and other social queues that you found to have made a difference in your experience. It made me wonder if the office had employed neurodivergent staff if that would have been a negative in your interactions with them. And does this mean masking or copying those behaviors does become necessary while working in those settings?

[@ellaboobella8770]

I’m newly late diagnosed (adult) and have no idea what to say, if anything, about being autistic. At all. Prior to diagnosis (4-1-2024) I was getting less and less tolerant of medical appointments, so I’ve not been to a dr of any kind in 3 years. I have health issues so know I need to go, but I feel strange about what to do. I’m nervous.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I understand. You're not alone in your concern! Hopefully more medical providers will start implementing practices like these to make appointments more manageable for us.

[@ellaboobella8770]

@@MomontheSpectrumThat would be great. I hate the waiting rooms with what I call surgical lighting and sometimes just being forced to sit elbow to elbow with people. Maybe I can work up enough courage to do it, but it’s so hard. I’m grateful for your videos. ❤

[@Farmchic3185]

​@ellaboobella8770 can you take a friend. For emotional support or helping you speak up?

[@ellaboobella8770]

@@Farmchic3185I honestly don’t have any friends, and my kids live out of state. Husband is another story, and he’s not helpful. I’m in the weirdest situation, and in so many ways I’m not even sure how I got here. I keep trying to tell myself into going no matter what, but trying to do that exhausts me.

[@tamaramartinez8985]

Have you considered seeing a chiropractor who specializes in wellness rather than the usual back pain/sports injuries/car accidents? I only ever see my chiropractor for medical things anymore (except the annual OBGYN visit). He is better at diagnosing issues than all the medical doctors I ever went to and he is way better at treating them effectively. He takes a full hour with me at each visit and sits down to listen to me while I tell him what my chief complaints are and answer his questions. Chiropractors are qualified to do everything medical doctors do but prescribe medications and (in some states) perform minor surgeries like stitching injuries. They prefer using conservative treatments as much as possible, which saves money and unpleasant side effects and is often more effective (ie lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure and permanently resolve it rather than putting someone on medication indefinitely). If the chiro discovers you have a condition they can't treat, they will refer you to the proper specialist, and often it's a specialist they work with so you'll have two docs working together to help you.

[@sakaimae]

I love your content so much 💙 sending good vibes from the UK ✌

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much!! Sending good vibes back your way as well

[@gkseeton]

They sound amazing.

[@AgnesBalla9602]

I know it is not related but Can you talk about the differences between autism and giftedness? I think I have both and adhd too. And it is so hard to distinguish. I feel lost.

[@lukewalker1051]

You don't have to distinguish. You can accept two things being true at the same time. Some of the smartest people on the planet like Elon Musk are on the autistic spectrum. They can be related. Chess grand champions, composers, the greatest scientists, neurosurgeons, many are autistic. A very limited gloss would be, autism can lead to giftedness because of a trait of hyper focus at the exclusion of social interaction. Most autistic people consider themselves as socially awkward or at least different. I can be hyper verbal and hyper social. I generally don't care to be. Call it the gift of hyper focus...is... you can become very good at things you are interested in because autistic people are capable of shutting the world out and of course this comes at a consequence or deficit to social interaction. Lack of practice makes imperfect.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I have a video over autism and high IQ that might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqLJoIx9jbZ9jMksi=__guzsIoT8AdUl_5

[@JonBrase]

My impression is that "gifted" is the word that is used for AuDHD + high intelligence (or, at least, no factors that mask intelligence like language delay) when autism is not well understood. I was the "Reads ahead in the textbook instead of paying attention to the lesson, aces every test and half-asses his homework, shocked when adulthood is more homework than tests" type.

[@AgnesBalla9602]

@@MomontheSpectrum thanks!

[@AgnesBalla9602]

@@JonBrase My score on the autism tests like raads r and aq were in the autistic range, I have above avarege IQ, I am an artist. But I have dyscalculia and OCD… you see it is very difficult 😅

[@toddsie72]

The engagement, at an appropriate pace, with people, feels like a lost 'art', whereas it should be a prerequisite. Ummm... Because you're engaging with a PERSON (even using caps then felt overmuch, but , please !!!).

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes! A person, not an appointment slot. I think insurance complicates things here in the US because doctors have to work within certain parameters to get services covered, etc. but... we have lost the art of connection in the medical field for sure.

[@carolinejames7257]

​@@MomontheSpectrumI can't speak for the American experience, but here in Australia it's not that different - and we don't have the insurance issues. We have other issues, of course. Many doctors, dentists, health care providers, and their support staff, are rushed, you can tell they don't know who you are, haven't read your file ahead of time, you can't get an appointment in less than a month, and for a specialist the wait is often long months, etc. etc. Now, my current GP's office is pretty good on some of those fronts, but not to anywhere near the extent you describe - and not every staff member. Still, these problems aren't limited to the USA. I feel for any person trying to cope with such attitudes in what are often called 'the caring professions'. Ironic, isn't it? We most need care at such appointments and seldom actually get it.

[@tamaravanbaalen1313]

That’s awesome I miss this kindness here in Netherlands as well with most practices. I love the pillows, unfortunately they only send these within US😭

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Oh no! Thank you for letting me know this about the pillows. Hopefully they will expand soon because they're my favorite :)

[@tamaravanbaalen1313]

@@MomontheSpectrum they indeed look so comfy. Please let me know if they cos they do not have these same ones anywhere!

[@TexanJLN]

I'm in the Houston, Texas area and Dr. Duraini, is not in network with my healthcare plan. Checked the directory, but I am on my Medicaid and my Managed Care Plan doesn't serve Tarrant County.

[@otterwench]

OMB (old school, Oh My Bob, from the Church of Bob) Having a printable to hand out will help me actually get to the appointment. I am 61, diagnosed age 58, severe medical trauma-based phobia, having a job to do/mission when I go may help me get to my appointments.

[@andrewgarcia6951]

❤

[@FruchtcocktailUndCo]

I feel like this should be the standard..?

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Right?! It seems like so little to ask for. I felt supported but also at the same time like... shouldn't everyone be doing this and doing it consistently?

[@CheekieCharlie]

I am having a huge problem getting me and my son diagnosed because the doctors put everything on me, but then are suspicious that i dont care when i cant finish the 20 steps to get the maybe first

[@shellym79]

The amount of times I've been asked a question by a doctor only to be immediately interrupted with a new unrelated question. 😤 Why bother asking the question if you aren't even going to let me answer it?

[@MrDaydreamer1584]

so its all about "outlining", being given a "big picture" of what to expect

[@visionvixxen]

Yes- but there are other things- like having time to find out what the appt is if your other concerns are other appts - the “how” that the front line needs to be more educated and considerate about. It’s very difficult knowing what you can and can’t talk about and what appts are- just a physical- discuss other concerns during the physical etc So much time pressure that we need more than just what does the room look like where are we sitting etc That helps some but it is much more complicated than that

[@NoCensorship]

Sounds like a high dollar place.

[@davidlanier7006]

What planet are you on? Anybody I have ever had to deal with, especially doctors, really do not care that I am autistic. I've even had medical workers actually get mad at me because I told them that I'm autistic. Everybody on this planet has always treated me or told me to just tough it out and don't be a baby. I've gotten very little or no consideration for my autism at all.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I'm so sorry to hear this. This is why I made this video, so hopefully others will listen and learn. We deserve to be treated so much better!