Every child and family will have their own unique journey with autism. How you and your child move through this journey, the number of visits with their healthcare team, the healthcare providers they will see, whether you seek a diagnosis, and the length of time it takes to get an assessment will all depend on your child’s individual needs.

Think about your goals for the appointment, for you and for your child. What‘s most important to get out of their appointment? There are some tips that can help you get ready for your appointment with your child’s healthcare team.

• A journal can help you remember what behaviours your child is showing, when they started, how often they happen, and what makes them better or worse.
• Bring video recordings of different behaviours to show your child’s healthcare provider.
• Bring any documents you’ve received from other healthcare or childcare providers.
• Write down a list of your child’s strengths, and your questions and concerns. Think about what’s going well and what supports you have in place. When you’re done, read your list and mark the most important things.
• Make a list of the prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines your child uses, including any vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• Ask someone you trust to go with you to your child’s appointment. They can help you ask questions, write down instructions, and remember explanations.

When booking your child’s appointment, there are things that might make the appointment easier for you and your child. Ask your healthcare team about:

• a virtual option
• an appointment time in the early and less busy time of the day
• a quiet room to wait in
• bringing a favourite toy to the appointment to help as a comfort item