In the heart of autism - Social stories for therapists and parents of children with autism

A heart check-up, a medical examination, or a visit to hospital is a standard experience for most. However, for some, it can constitute a new and painful experience, particularly for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their parents. They are faced with anxiety and fear caused by all standard procedures of a medical examination, from the moment of referral to the completion of a heart ultrasound or a cardiogram. Of course, one need not have autism to fear medical tests. A hospital visit can be unnerving for many.

This handbook consists of a series of Social Stories, aiming to prepare people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their parents or their therapists who will accompany them to hospital, by familiarizing them with the procedure of a heart examination. Especially designed for teenagers and young adults with ASD, the program simulates the heart examination, aiming to desensitize hospital visits.

This handbook can become part of a systematic training and familiarization program concerning the procedures that precede a medical examination. It will also include a heart examination of the individual with ASD in the presence of one of the parents and his or her therapist.

The educational booklet has been created in collaboration with the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, under the auspices of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens