In the Heart of Autism

Suspended due to safety measures

A medical test can become a source of anxiety for all of us, but especially for our fellow citizens that suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The mere notions of doctors, nurses, tests, but also of the hospital itself can cause intense stress reactions that could have easily been avoided. But how can this happen? If teenagers with ASD get to know the place better, get a step-by-step understanding of the check-up procedure or of a specific examination, and meet friendly people that can stand by their side from the beginning to the end, this can be made possible.

In collaboration with the Panhellenic Union of Adapted Sport & Cultural Activities “ALMA” Autism, a group of teenagers with ASD and their families get prepared and acquainted with the process of a hospital visit and the procedure of a heart test. At the same time, part of the Personnel of the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center will be trained accordingly, in order to gain awareness regarding the special needs that can be developed in an ASD patient, whereas in the same context the therapists and the parents of the persons participating in this program will be trained for allowing people with ASD to get desensitized to the process of a heart test.