Visuals can help individuals with Down syndrome prepare for and know what to expect at medical appointments. Our Resource Library has several examples.
Taking Charge of My Appointment .png "opens in new window")
is a visual that is intended to be started before the appointment, used during the appointment, and completed after the appointment.
Self-Advocacy at Medical Appointments is a printable worksheet that individuals with Down syndrome can fill out before an appointment. It was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society.
Visits to a Doctor's Office is a one-page visual that starts with leaving the house and ends with meeting with the doctor in the exam room.
My ECG/EKG may be helpful for cardiology appointments that include having an electrocardiogram done.
Getting My Blood Drawn explains what happens when we have a blood test done.
Getting Ear Wax Removed explains what happens when we have our ears cleaned out.
Getting an X-Ray is a general visual that can be used when getting x-rays of various parts of the body.
Getting an Ultrasound is a general visual that can be used when getting ultrasounds of various parts of the body.
Getting an EEG explains electroencephalograms (EEGs), tests that measure electrical activity in the brain.
Other types of visual supports, including those described in this Use of Visual Supports article, may also be helpful. For example, a First/Then visual could be used to set expectations for the appointment (e.g., First, go to doctor's appointment. Then, watch a movie).