Many of you know of Antalya's extreme anxiety whenever she enters a doctor's office or anything that resembles such. For the last six months or so I have really made it a focus to help her get over her anxiety and be alright with a doctor visit. Her school has played a huge part in this too. The have set up doctor play areas, and frequently send Antalya home with a book about visiting the doctor.
Today, all our efforts culminated. Antalya, two of her classmates, Antalya's aid Michelle, and myself headed to a nearby doctor's office. As soon as she realized where we were she started freaking out and wanting to run away, but she quickly realized that everyone was calm and that her classmates were actually have a good time. And that was all it took!
She listened to my heart with a real stethoscope, she stood on the scale, sat on the patient bed, measured how tall she was, got her blood pressure taken (or as well as you can on your forearm), and even let the nurse look in her ears. It was incredible!
I know for a lot of kids this would be no big deal, but for Antalya, today was huge! It will have me smiling for several weeks at least! And the timing couldn't be more perfect - tomorrow Antalya has a dentist appointment. With any luck she will think it is a continuation of today and be excited to see all the new things.
3 comments:
UNBELEIVABLE!!! What an amazing change. . . i think Antalya's growing up!
That is so exciting! Congratulations. Amazing what having good teachers, good friends, and the positive influence they can have.
That sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Way to go Antalya.
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