Let’s face it– nobody enjoys going to the doctor’s. Especially for those of us who have chronic health issues, it becomes an environment we are all too familiar with, and yet somehow my senses have never quite adjusted. It’s not so much that being on the spectrum makes the experience more unpleasant, but it creates added challenges. Part of ASD for many people (myself included!) involves what’s known as a sensory processing disorder. My brain is easily overloaded if there’s an influx of sensory inputs. Hospitals are a perfect storm– blinding white walls, flimsy cots with scratchy blankets, the brightest lights you can possibly imagine. There are nurses talking, chatting away and laughing. As happy as I am to see people enjoying their days, it’s just another sensory stimulus that I’m not fully able to handle. For me, it’s been incredibly important to tell my doctors that I’m on the spectrum. They’ll usually work with me, either by making accommodations for my rooms and setup, or by talking things through with me to make me feel more at ease and more capable of managing the sensory bombardment. Knowing your doctor is looking out for you goes a long way.
It’s never easy getting medical treatment, whether you’re on the spectrum or not. But my advice to my fellow friends with ASD: don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what you need to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Doctors are there to help you, and as a patient you have every right to speak up about your questions and your needs. Doctors may be in a position of authority, but you have the highest authority on your mental and physical wellbeing. Never stop striving for the treatment you deserve! And never feel bad asking for accommodations to make those experiences easier to mentally and physically digest. Always remember that you are the patient, and in those moments, it is all about you and what you need to help you best. Stand up for yourself, hopefully with a good support net standing behind you! You are your own best advocate and always will be.
~Anonymous Writer
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