FAQautism

Preventive medical screenings are certainly beneficial, but can be, at best, challenging for individuals with autism for a variety of reasons. A family member of a young adult with autism shares a humorous story of his flunking a recent eye exam.

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Mom was expecting some problems since the young man’s ability to tolerate the eye exam was challenged by (1) his resistance to new people and places, (2) his aversion to all things medical, and (3) his tactile defensiveness. He did not like changes in schedule or going to a new doctor’s office or being touched. But, surprisingly, he was rather cooperative with the exam. His literal interpretation of language, on the other hand, tried the doctor’s patience and tickled his mom’s funny bone. We will call the young man “Jarod.”

The doctor dilated Jarod’s eyes, then told him to look at the chart on the wall. When the doctor stepped up and tried to look in his eyes. Jarod was rather irritated. After all, the doctor had told him to look at the chart, and now the doctor was blocking his view of the chart. Jarod kept craning his neck in attempt to look around the doctor to see the chart on the wall.

Trying to stifle her laughter, Mom stepped in to help, telling Jarod to look at the doctor’s eye. When the doctor needed Jarod to look up, Mom said, “look at the ceiling.” When the doctor needed Jarod to look to the left, Mom said, “Look at the door.” When the doctor needed Jarod to look down, Mom said, “Look at the floor.” Jarod looked down, then interrupted the exam by moving his head around then finally leaning over the side of the chair trying to get a better view of the floor. Finally, Jarod said, “It is too dark in here. I can’t see the floor!”

TIP FOR THE DAY: Sometimes we interpret lack of cooperation as stubbornness or inattention. In reality, our friends with autism may simply be misunderstanding our words because of their tendency to interpret words and phrases literally.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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