Choose the Right Approach: Supporting Patients with ASD/IDD
Next
A medical assistant is preparing to take the blood pressure of a teenage patient with IDD during a routine check-up. The patient is seated in the exam room for a routine visit. The medical assistant is about to take her blood pressure using an automatic cuff. The patient appears slightly anxious and is watching the equipment closely.
What is the best approach?
“This will just take a second. It won’t hurt.”
“This might feel a little tight, okay?”
“I’m going to wrap this cuff around your arm. It will squeeze your arm tightly for about 10 seconds, then it will stop.”
Next
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a routine blood draw for a young adult patient with ASD. The patient is seated in the exam room for a routine blood draw. The medical assistant begins explaining the procedure.
What is the best approach to explain the procedure?
“First I’m going to clean your arm, then insert the needle into your vein, collect several tubes of blood, remove the needle, apply pressure, and place a bandage. The whole process involves multiple steps and careful positioning.”
“I’m going to take some blood now. It will be quick.”
“I’m going to clean your arm first. Then I’ll do a quick poke to take some blood. I’ll tell you before each step.”
Next
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a routine blood draw for a patient with ASD. A patient with ASD is seated in the exam chair for a blood draw. The medical assistant begins giving instructions before starting the procedure. The patient is watching closely and waiting for direction.
Which approach best supports this patient?
“First, rest your arm here.” (pause and allow patient to respond) “Great. Now make a fist.” (pause) “Next, I’m going to clean your arm.”
“I’m going to have you rest your arm here, make a fist, stay still, and then I’ll clean your arm and take the blood.”
“Rest your arm here. Then make a fist. Then I’ll clean your arm.”
Next
Great Work!
You’ve practiced applying key strategies to support patients with ASD and IDD during routine clinical care. Small adjustments—using clear language, matching the level of detail, and providing step-by-step guidance—can significantly improve patient understanding, reduce anxiety, and support successful completion of care. As you move forward, consider how these approaches can be integrated into your daily clinical interactions to create more predictable, patient-centered experiences.
Correct!
This response uses clear, concrete, and specific language. It tells the patient exactly what will happen, what it will feel like, and how long it will last, helping reduce uncertainty and support cooperation.
Incorrect Approach
This response uses vague and minimizing language. Statements like “just a second” or “won’t hurt” can be confusing or misleading if the patient’s experience does not match expectations, which may reduce trust and increase anxiety.
Less Effective Approach
This is somewhat descriptive but still vague. It does not provide enough detail about what will happen or how long it will last, which may limit predictability for the patient.
Correct!
This response provides clear, step-by-step information without overwhelming the patient. It balances detail and simplicity, supporting understanding while allowing flexibility to adjust based on the patient’s response.
Incorrect Approach
This response provides too much information at once. Excessive detail can increase cognitive load and anxiety, making it harder for the patient to process and remain engaged.
Less Effective Approach
This response is simple but lacks enough detail to support predictability. It does not help the patient understand what to expect, which may increase uncertainty.
Less Effective Approach
This response provides a sequence, but it is delivered all at once without allowing time for the patient to complete each step. Patients may still struggle to process and follow the instructions in real time.
Incorrect Approach
This response presents multiple steps at once, which can be overwhelming and difficult to process. Without clear sequencing, patients may feel unsure about what to do first, increasing anxiety and reducing cooperation.
Correct!
This approach provides one step at a time and allows the patient to complete each action before introducing the next. This improves predictability, reduces cognitive load, and supports patient cooperation.
Choose the Right Approach: Supporting Patients with ASD/IDD
Sarah Rogers
Created on April 17, 2026
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Transcript
Choose the Right Approach: Supporting Patients with ASD/IDD
Next
A medical assistant is preparing to take the blood pressure of a teenage patient with IDD during a routine check-up. The patient is seated in the exam room for a routine visit. The medical assistant is about to take her blood pressure using an automatic cuff. The patient appears slightly anxious and is watching the equipment closely.
What is the best approach?
“This will just take a second. It won’t hurt.”
“This might feel a little tight, okay?”
“I’m going to wrap this cuff around your arm. It will squeeze your arm tightly for about 10 seconds, then it will stop.”
Next
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a routine blood draw for a young adult patient with ASD. The patient is seated in the exam room for a routine blood draw. The medical assistant begins explaining the procedure.
What is the best approach to explain the procedure?
“First I’m going to clean your arm, then insert the needle into your vein, collect several tubes of blood, remove the needle, apply pressure, and place a bandage. The whole process involves multiple steps and careful positioning.”
“I’m going to take some blood now. It will be quick.”
“I’m going to clean your arm first. Then I’ll do a quick poke to take some blood. I’ll tell you before each step.”
Next
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a routine blood draw for a patient with ASD. A patient with ASD is seated in the exam chair for a blood draw. The medical assistant begins giving instructions before starting the procedure. The patient is watching closely and waiting for direction.
Which approach best supports this patient?
“First, rest your arm here.” (pause and allow patient to respond) “Great. Now make a fist.” (pause) “Next, I’m going to clean your arm.”
“I’m going to have you rest your arm here, make a fist, stay still, and then I’ll clean your arm and take the blood.”
“Rest your arm here. Then make a fist. Then I’ll clean your arm.”
Next
Great Work!
You’ve practiced applying key strategies to support patients with ASD and IDD during routine clinical care. Small adjustments—using clear language, matching the level of detail, and providing step-by-step guidance—can significantly improve patient understanding, reduce anxiety, and support successful completion of care. As you move forward, consider how these approaches can be integrated into your daily clinical interactions to create more predictable, patient-centered experiences.
Correct!
This response uses clear, concrete, and specific language. It tells the patient exactly what will happen, what it will feel like, and how long it will last, helping reduce uncertainty and support cooperation.
Incorrect Approach
This response uses vague and minimizing language. Statements like “just a second” or “won’t hurt” can be confusing or misleading if the patient’s experience does not match expectations, which may reduce trust and increase anxiety.
Less Effective Approach
This is somewhat descriptive but still vague. It does not provide enough detail about what will happen or how long it will last, which may limit predictability for the patient.
Correct!
This response provides clear, step-by-step information without overwhelming the patient. It balances detail and simplicity, supporting understanding while allowing flexibility to adjust based on the patient’s response.
Incorrect Approach
This response provides too much information at once. Excessive detail can increase cognitive load and anxiety, making it harder for the patient to process and remain engaged.
Less Effective Approach
This response is simple but lacks enough detail to support predictability. It does not help the patient understand what to expect, which may increase uncertainty.
Less Effective Approach
This response provides a sequence, but it is delivered all at once without allowing time for the patient to complete each step. Patients may still struggle to process and follow the instructions in real time.
Incorrect Approach
This response presents multiple steps at once, which can be overwhelming and difficult to process. Without clear sequencing, patients may feel unsure about what to do first, increasing anxiety and reducing cooperation.
Correct!
This approach provides one step at a time and allows the patient to complete each action before introducing the next. This improves predictability, reduces cognitive load, and supports patient cooperation.