On the day of his appointment, our evaluation team met with Bobby’s mother to get a solid understanding of his strengths and challenges. Our medical provider, an expert in developmental pediatrics, created a visual schedule, a series of pictures depicting the different parts of his appointment, so that Bobby always knew what was coming next. She also toured Bobby around the clinic so he could see everywhere he would spend time: the waiting room, the exam room, and the interview room. She even showed him inside the observation room where other members of our team would be watching his interview.   

Bobby did great. He used his visual schedule and put stickers on it after each part was completed. He was a little nervous about his medical check-up but relaxed when we reassured him there would be no shots or other “owies.” He hopped up onto the exam table and made himself comfortable. When our medical provider explained that she wanted to make sure his body was healthy and strong, he proudly made a muscle with his bicep and announced that he had a really good body.    

Our interviewer went at Bobby’s pace, using clear, simple language and taking extra time to build rapport. Bobby shared that his father made him feel sad and scared sometimes. He described how his dad would say bad things about Bobby’s mom and that she didn’t love him, and that Bobby should tell people she hurt him. When Bobby told his dad he didn’t want to, his dad lost his temper and threatened him with his baseball bat. Bobby told our interviewer that even though he was afraid of what his dad would do to him, he knew it was wrong to lie.  

After his check-up and interview were over, Bobby put two more stickers on his visual schedule and watched part of a movie in the waiting room with our volunteer while his mother received an update from the team and recommendations for next steps. Bobby waited patiently to put a sticker on the final event on his schedule – picking out a thank-you gift and leaving with his mom. He picked out the fanciest quilt from the quilt closet (“the one with the most colors and flowers”) and left our clinic all smiles.   

Every child has a voice if we are ready to listen. To help them be successful, we take the extra time to connect with them on their level and tailor the appointment to their needs.  Thank you for making it possible through your support of CARES Northwest.

*Identifying details have been changed to protect patient privacy.