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Autism visual supports
The visual aids provided on this website are intended solely for informational purposes and are not to be construed as a form of behavioral intervention. These visual aids have been created for consideration for children's use. However, it is important to note that each child's diagnosis is unique, and what may be suitable for one child may not be appropriate for another. We strongly advise consulting with qualified therapists or professionals familiar with your child's specific needs and circumstances before implementing any visual aids or strategies suggested on this website. By accessing and using the visual aids provided on this website, you acknowledge and agree that you do so at your discretion.
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St. Tammany Health System (STHS) has developed visual supports in the form of "what to expect" stories and videos to assist autistic individuals/individuals with autism if needed. It is important to note that these visual aids are not intended for therapeutic intervention, treatment, or teaching of a required skill or behavior. The "what to expect" stories and videos aim to inform, educate, and provide guidance in anticipating situations when seeking our health care services.
St. Tammany Health System (STHS) has created sensory backpacks designed to offer support, foster communication, and meet the unique sensory needs of autistic individuals when visiting our facilities. Each bag contains various sensory products and communication aids, such as a dry-erase board and visual guides. With the help of Kenny and Kathyrn Bahr, owners of the Etsy store Once Upon a Mind, which creates accommodations for neurodivergent learners, these guides can be used as a communication tool to promote understanding and interaction during your appointment, as well as countdown cards to provide reassurance that there is an ending to an exam or procedure. Please see the link to download a copy of our visual aids. Print on heavy cardstock paper, laminate, and bind your visual guides for best results. Once laminated, a dry-erase marker can be used on the countdown cards, erased, and used again later, making them a resourceful tool for multiple visits. We hope you find the visual aids helpful and look forward to your next visit.
St. Tammany Health System has created “what to expect” stories for autistic individuals/individuals with autism who anticipate an upcoming health visit or procedure. For some, the healthcare setting can be challenging and produce a feeling of uncertainty or fear. Using written and visual cues, the “what to expect” stories intend to provide autistic individuals with a sense of preparedness, familiarity, comfort, and guidance while increasing their understanding when visiting our healthcare system.
The “what to expect” videos are similar to our visual support stories. However, where the stories describe the health care visit or procedure through pictures and written word, the “what to expect” videos provide real-life or action-like visuals. Hospitals and clinics can be challenging for those with sensory sensitivities. Using videos that emulate the sensory environment of the healthcare setting as well as provide real-life cues, one can better prepare, anticipate, self-advocate, and plan for accommodations as needed.
In this video, “What to expect when visiting the St. Tammany Health System Bone and Joint Clinic,” the parent and child demonstrate the routine for a typical visit. One will see activities such as how to enter the building, wait for the nurse, and what to expect during an exam from the health care provider. We hope this video helps you feel more comfortable during your visit; enjoy!
In this video, “What to expect when getting an X-ray,” the parent and child demonstrate the steps involved in getting an X-ray, such as positioning your body, staying still, and working with the X-ray technician. We hope this video helps you feel better prepared for your visit!
In this video, “What to expect when getting a cast removed,” one can observe the steps and tools used to remove a cast, such as a cast saw and scissors. The video will also prepare you for the noise of the cast saw. We encourage you to bring headphones from home if the noise is too loud!
“What to expect when getting a brace or boot” is a short video of what to anticipate when getting fitted for a brace or boot at the St. Tammany Health System Bone and Joint Clinic.
In this video, "What to expect when visiting the St. Tammany Pediatric Clinic: Well Visit," the parent and child demonstrate the routine for a typical well visit. One will see activities such as entering the building or waiting for the nurse or health care provider, obtaining vital signs, vision, and hearing screens, as well as steps to the physical examination. You will also see how our staff uses visual schedules to aid communication and encourage participation if needed. We hope this video helps you feel comfortable and provides the knowledge that we are here to listen and assist you with your healthcare needs!
We understand that going to a health care visit can sometimes feel scary or make one feel anxious, especially when they do not feel well. In this video, "What to expect when visiting the St. Tammany Pediatrics Clinic: Sick Visit," the parent and child demonstrate the routine for a typical sick visit. One will see activities such as how vital signs are obtained, how a nose or throat is swabbed, or how tools like the stethoscope and otoscope are used during an examination. You will also see how our staff uses visual schedules to aid communication and encourage participation if needed. For example, you can say stop or tap the "stop" sign whenever you need a break, and the health care provider will listen. We hope this video helps you feel prepared for your upcoming visit. We hope you feel better soon!
The “What to Expect When Visiting the St. Tammany Health System Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Room Overview” video is designed to provide you with a understanding of the STHS PICU room layout before your visit. In this video, you will be guided through the PICU entrance door and hallway, the nursing station's location, and the PICU room's features, such as bathroom amenities, furniture, monitors, and TV. We believe that this video will equip you with the necessary knowledge to enhance your and your family's adjustment and comfort during your stay.
Many find the hospital a scary place with lots of activity and noise. To enhance understanding and support, the "What to Expect When Visiting the St. Tammany Health System (STHS) Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): General Visit" video lets one observe the standard routines and operations one may experience when admitted to the STHS PICU. In this video, you will see different ways one may arrive at the PICU [wheelchair or stretcher], the type of gown and socks typically worn when staying in the hospital, and how your healthcare team may interact and how often with you. This video allows one to prepare for what sounds may be heard, such as the beeping of a monitor, and emphasizes the availability of our sensory bags filled with fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, communication booklets, and other sensory items, if needed. We hope this video helps you feel more at ease and provides the knowledge that we are here to support you and your family during your hospital stay.
In this video, “What to expect when visiting the St. Tammany Parenting Center,” a parent and child demonstrate a typical day at our facility, beginning with check-in. One will see some exciting activities to enjoy during free play, such as children playing on the indoor climber playsets with slides, enjoying the indoor kitchen, and playing with various puzzles and toys. The video also demonstrates how to share and take turns with friends and what to expect when participating in one of our interactive classes. We hope this video gives you guidance, support, and confidence to play at the St. Tammany Parenting Center!
Autism is a spectrum, just like a rainbow is a spectrum of visible light, full of wonder and opportunity too. This April, St. Tammany Health System will be sharing our support for autistic individuals/individuals with autism in our community.
