Simply Different

'If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?’ I was asked this question during a Danish medical congress in Copenhagen. I was the keynote speaker and had just given my lecture on procedural distress and the use of physical restraint with my special needs daughter. You’ll read my answer in this blog.

Videos that show doctors or other healthcare professionals handling children without the use of restraint and without pain nor stress are great to watch. A sense of humor and music can also be beneficial during a hospital visit. Just like paying real attention to someone, taking some extra time and adjusting to what a child needs in that moment. 

This is THE question I get asked most often when in hospital. And no, I’m not talking about giving my little special needs girl a big hug, this is about physical restraint. It seems like an innocent question because it’s only ‘just a sec’, right? Well, for my daughter it’s never just a second. And every time I wonder: is there any other way?