My teenage autistic daughter is awaiting major spinal surgery (her operation is not until next year). She had a previous stay in hospital which was very traumatising for her. This time she had an appointment with Hilary, spinal nurse.
Hilary took her up to the ward to have her bloods taken and also showed her the MRI scanning equipment which my daughter felt nervous about.
My daughter wants Hilary to know that she is very nice ! Her arm felt very sore after the visit (after 3 attempts of drawing blood and also she feels pain for longer) and she said she could not have done it without Hilary ‘s help.
I told Hilary that my daughter - who has a rare form of autism with demand avoidant traits - has an anxiety driven need to feel in control at all times (she hates to be told what to do and everything has to be negotiated with her) and that this can best be achieved by offering her choices . Well Hilary had clearly really listened and taken this on board! She offered her choices at every opportunity! She even asked her which day her least favourite day at school was and said she was going to try and book in her MRI scan for that day, so that she can have it off school . It went down really well with my daughter who started chatting with Hilary which does not usually happen, especially in stressful environments, and speaks volumes .
It is really nice to experience that the right accommodations were made for my daughter . Well done Hilary you are clearly very good at your job!
"The right accommodations were made for my daughter"
About: Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (Edinburgh) / Spinal Services Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (Edinburgh) Spinal Services EH9 1LF
Posted by Rucki (as ),
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