Doctor Visit Visual Schedule
A doctor visit visual schedule walks a child through an appointment in pictures: travel, waiting, saying hello, the check-up and going home. The same steps work for a dentist visit. Seeing what will happen beforehand can make the day feel less scary.
Free to print with no account. The customized board also runs on a tablet in a session.
About this template
Medical visits are hard for many children because they bring new people, new places and touch from a stranger. Knowing the order of events can help, and so can a reward at the end. Parents often read through the schedule at home a few times, which is a way to practice before the day itself.
How to use it
- Print the schedule a few days before the appointment and read it with the learner at a quiet time.
- Change the pictures or words so they match the real visit, for example adding the dentist chair or a blood test if one is planned.
- On the day, bring the schedule with you and tick each step as it happens, including the waiting.
- Finish with the reward you promised and tell the learner they did the whole schedule.
Make it yours
- Use the same schedule for a dentist visit by changing "Check-up" to "Dentist" and adding a step for opening wide.
- Add a step for a calming activity during the wait, such as headphones or a favorite book.
- Take photos of the real waiting room and doctor and use them in place of drawn pictures.
- Pair the schedule with a first/then board for one hard step, such as the check-up itself.
Questions
Can I use this before a dentist appointment?
Yes. Customize the schedule and name the steps for the dentist, for example the chair, the mirror and counting teeth.
How early should I show the schedule?
Many families start a few days before so the learner can get used to it. For some learners a longer lead time causes worry, so go by what you know about yours.
Will the schedule make the visit easy?
It may help, but it is one support among several. Tell the doctor or dentist about your child's needs ahead of time and ask what accommodations are possible.
Related templates
- First/then boardsFirst work, then break
- Choice boardsCalm down choices
- First/then boardsLeaving the park
- Build one from scratch with the Visual Schedule Maker maker.
- Read more: First/then boards for autism.
- See all free templates.
General information only. Your BCBA or team can adapt this for your learner.
Pictures are from open symbol sets. See the credits.