Prepare for an MRI for a child with Autism

By
Heather
Published: March 24, 2009Posted in: Around TownTags:
Prepare for an MRI for a child with Autism

My son just had an MRI done this week. It was supposed to be sedated, but someone goofed on the paperwork. So I did my best to prepare and off we went.

About a week before the MRI we began talking about the adventure. I made sure to emphasis that it was like a camera and would not hurt, at all.  We also started looking online and looking at pictures of MRI machines and the images they take.  He thought the pictures were really neat.

In the days leading up to the test we talked about the noise of the machine and how still he would have to lay. To get used to the noise, we started making lots of loud and odd noises. We banged on all different types of objects around the house and in the yard as we were not sure what to expect. To practice laying still he was a mummy with his arms crossed. We also wrapped him in a blanket to make it nice and snug.

On the day of the MRI I packed his book bag. Made sure to take the usual (snacks, drinks, hat, small toys) I also took a new game for his Nintendo DS for the waiting room (glad I did the wait was 2 hours)  Also took a soft light blanket to wrap him in, his favorite CD and a stuffed animal.

When he went for the MRI, I went with him. I had to remove all metal before going into the room. When he went in he was very scared. He did not want to lay down, but with some coaxing he did. They put his music on the headphones and wrapped him in his blanket. Then his stuffed animal laid on his legs.

In the tube he went and he closed his eyes. He listened to the music and 12 minutes later he was done. It was not a bad experience for him at all and he wants to know when he is going back. LOL

Heather@AutismOnTheGo.com

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About the Author

Heather is mother to a 10 year old son with autism. They live in the Southwest Florida area and travel around the state on numerous adventures.