Tools parents can use when they have to take their child to, or while their child is in, the hospital

Children's National Medical Center's tools:

Autism Visual Resources: Preparing Your Child for Medical Care

CaringBridge: You can create a personalized website to update your loved ones on how your child is doing in the hospital, without having to repeat the same story multiple times.

DocJournal App: DocJournal was designed by patients and doctors to simplify tracking your health information, and to empower you for wellness and advocacy.

Social Stories: A social story is a tool that a parent can use to prepare her/his child for an upcoming event that is new, unfamiliar, unexpected and/or undesirable (e.g. going to the hospital for a scary procedure). While there are many examples you can find via Google, click here to access a template Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego created that you can use.

Mindfulness Tools: You could bring Zentangles, Mandala coloring books, and related mindfulness tools with you to your appointments to help your child and you relax. Click here to access Eliana's Light's Mindfulness Tip Sheet.