Leo, a young autistic child, uses a picture plan and calming strategies to navigate the new routine of a doctor's checkup with the help of a caring grown-up and a kind doctor.
Tomorrow is Leo's doctor checkup. Leo feels a little nervous in his tummy. He worries about the big waiting room and the cold exam table. He isn't sure what will happen next. "New routines can feel tricky," says Mama. "Let's make a plan together." She shows Leo a special notebook with simple pictures. Seeing the pictures helps Leo's mind feel less fuzzy.
Mama draws the plan. Picture one: Drive in the car. Picture two: Walk into the clinic. Picture three: Sit in the waiting room. Picture four: Talk to the doctor. Picture five: Go home. Leo points to each picture. "First car, then door," he says. Knowing the steps makes the wiggly, worried feeling inside him get a little smaller. He practices taking a slow, deep breath like blowing on a dandelion.
At the clinic, the door whooshes open. The waiting room is bright! Leo holds Mama's hand tight. He sees other families and hears quiet music. Then, he spots a giant fish tank bubbling by the desk. "Look, orange fish!" whispers Leo. The friendly person at the desk smiles and waves. "Hello, Leo! We're glad you're here." Leo gives a small wave back. The fish are a nice surprise.
They find two squishy chairs together. Leo takes out his blue star toy. He rubs its bumpy texture. It feels nice in his hand. He looks at Mama's picture plan. "We are here," Mama says, pointing to picture three. "Next is talking to Dr. Anya." Leo nods. He breathes in slowly through his nose, counting to three, then breathes out. "Good breathing," Mama says. Leo feels brave enough to wait.
Dr. Anya opens the door. "Hello, Leo!" she says in a soft voice. She doesn't rush. Leo holds Mama's hand as they walk to the exam room. The room has a paper-covered bed and a rolling stool. "You can sit on the bed or in a chair, Leo. Which feels better for you?" asks Dr. Anya. Leo chooses the chair. Being asked feels good.
"First, I will listen to your heart with this," says Dr. Anya, holding up her light blue stethoscope. "It might feel cool for a second. Is that okay?" Leo nods. He holds his star toy and Mama's hand. The stethoscope touches his back. It *is* cool, but just for a moment. "Thump-thump, thump-thump," says Dr. Anya. "Your heart sounds strong and healthy!"
Dr. Anya shows Leo each tool before she uses it. The light for his ears is little and red. The band for his arm is like a gentle hug. "Your turn to be the doctor," she says, letting Leo hold the safe end of her stethoscope. Leo carefully listens to his teddy bear's heart. "Thump-thump," he announces. Dr. Anya and Mama smile. This part is actually fun!
The checkup is all done! Dr. Anya gives Leo a bright red sticker that says "I was brave today." Leo sticks it right on his shirt. "You did such a great job using your plan, your breathing, and asking questions," says Mama, giving him a hug. Leo feels a warm, proud feeling glowing in his chest. He handled the new routine!
Back home, Leo adds a new picture to the plan notebook: a bright red sticker. He puts the notebook on his shelf. Next time he has a checkup, he will know what to do. He feels calm and capable. He gives Mama a big hug. "We are a good team," he says. And they really, really are.