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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 man and his doctor have a conversation.

A colonoscopy is a way for doctors to look at my large intestine and rectum to make sure they're healthy.

A diagram of the small and large intestine, with an arrow pointing to the colon, which is also called the large intestine.

The large intestine is also called a colon.

A diagram of a colon with a tube and camera inside.

The doctor will use a long, flexible tube with a camera to look inside my body.

A vial of medicine and a syringe with some medicine inside.

I will be given medicine to make me sleepy during the colonoscopy.

A person lies on a bed, covered everywhere except for their rear. One doctor looks at a tablet, while the other doctor looks at a TV screen showing the person's colon and points to a problem on the screen.

If the doctor sees anything wrong, they can get rid of it during the colonoscopy.

A calendar with a date circled.

I may need to have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years to make sure I’m healthy.

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A list with items checked off.

There are things I need to do to prepare before having a colonoscopy.

A picture of a medicine bottle and pill crossed out.

My doctor may tell me to stop taking some of my normal medicine a few days before the exam.

A drink with a straw and a bowl of soup with a spoon.

I may need to follow a special diet the day before my exam.

A clock and a clear drink with a straw.

I may not be allowed to eat solid food, only drink clear liquids, and not eat after midnight.

Five pills.

My doctor may have me take medicine the day before my colonoscopy.

A man sitting on the toilet.

These medicines will help clean out my intestines so the doctor can see better during the exam.

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A blue hospital gown.

When I have a colonoscopy, the doctor will ask me to put on a gown.

Three pills and an IV in a person's arm.

The doctor will give me medicine to make me sleepy. This may be in a pill or in an IV.

A man laying on his side, covered except for his rear.

I will lay down on my side on the exam table, with my knees bent toward my chest.

A diagram of a colon with a tube and camera inside.

The doctor will use a long, flexible tube with a camera to look at my rectum and entire colon.

A diagram of a colon with air being pumped into it.

The doctor may pump air into my colon so they can see better.

A person lies on a bed, covered everywhere except for their rear. One doctor looks at a tablet, while the other doctor looks at a TV screen showing the person's colon and points to a problem on the screen.

The doctor will use the camera to take pictures and make sure my colon is healthy.

A diagram of the small and large intestine, with an arrow pointing to a polyp in the colon.

If the doctor sees something wrong, they can remove it during my colonoscopy.

A clock.

My colonoscopy will last 30-60 minutes. It won’t seem very long because I’ll be sleeping.

A man lies in his bed. He looks sleepily at his bedside table that has a lamp and alarm clock.

After my colonoscopy, I may feel sleepy for the rest of the day because of the medicine.

A drink with a straw and a bowl of soup with a spoon.

My doctor may have me eat a special diet for a few days.

A man goes on a walk.

I may feel bloated or pass gas after my colonoscopy. Walking around can help me feel better.

A man sitting on the toilet.

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. pdf 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. pdf Download file: How to prepare for a colonoscopy
Getting a colonoscopy This resource provides information about the actual process of getting a colonoscopy completed. pdf 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.