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Colonoscopy Social Stories
Overview
This collection of social stories provides a visual explanation of colonoscopies for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. The three socials stories cover topics including: what is a colonoscopy, how to prepare for a colonoscopy, and what to expect during a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is a way for doctors to look at my large intestine and rectum to make sure they're healthy.
The large intestine is also called a colon.
The doctor will use a long, flexible tube with a camera to look inside my body.
I will be given medicine to make me sleepy during the colonoscopy.
If the doctor sees anything wrong, they can get rid of it during the colonoscopy.
I may need to have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years to make sure I’m healthy.
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There are things I need to do to prepare before having a colonoscopy.
My doctor may tell me to stop taking some of my normal medicine a few days before the exam.
I may need to follow a special diet the day before my exam.
I may not be allowed to eat solid food, only drink clear liquids, and not eat after midnight.
My doctor may have me take medicine the day before my colonoscopy.
These medicines will help clean out my intestines so the doctor can see better during the exam.
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When I have a colonoscopy, the doctor will ask me to put on a gown.
The doctor will give me medicine to make me sleepy. This may be in a pill or in an IV.
I will lay down on my side on the exam table, with my knees bent toward my chest.
The doctor will use a long, flexible tube with a camera to look at my rectum and entire colon.
The doctor may pump air into my colon so they can see better.
The doctor will use the camera to take pictures and make sure my colon is healthy.
If the doctor sees something wrong, they can remove it during my colonoscopy.
My colonoscopy will last 30-60 minutes. It won’t seem very long because I’ll be sleeping.
After my colonoscopy, I may feel sleepy for the rest of the day because of the medicine.
My doctor may have me eat a special diet for a few days.
I may feel bloated or pass gas after my colonoscopy. Walking around can help me feel better.
There may be a small amount of blood in my first bowel movement after the exam. This is normal and okay.
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Other downloads
| Name | Description | Type | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is a colonoscopy | This resource provides information about what a colonoscopy is. | Download file: What is a colonoscopy | |
| How to prepare for a colonoscopy | This resource provides information about what someone will need to do to prepare to have a colonoscopy completed. | Download file: How to prepare for a colonoscopy | |
| Getting a colonoscopy | This resource provides information about the actual process of getting a colonoscopy completed. | Download file: Getting a colonoscopy |
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.