Psychology-based interventions: Use applied behavioral analysis (ABA) with autistic children and positive reinforcement learning strategies. Visually demonstrate exam processes using mock scanners and create individual anxiety reduction plans.

Sensory-easing adjustments: Optimize schedules, reduce staff in suite and conduct exams in quiet places to reduce anxiety. Use visit maps and visual timers to guide children; and weighted blankets, headphones and ear plugs to make them more comfortable.

Simulation for familiarization: Use mock scanners, live modeling, mobile and iPad applications, audiovisuals, and illustrated story books to explain the procedure.

Distraction techniques: Utilize audiovisuals such as music, videos or movies during scans to keep children and adults calm. Coping kits such as video games, stress balls, music devices or sound-producing toys can also be used before exams to relax them.

Scan-based optimisation: Fast acquisition protocols to speed up scans are recommended, along with "soft tone" sequences to reduce acoustic noise and prospective motion correction approaches. Use video in the MR room that freezes when patients move to get real-time feedback and help them stay still for longer durations.

The adjustments were derived from a survey of 130 responses from U.K. radiographers. Included in it were open-ended and closed type questions to determine their understanding of and experience with autism, as well as their ability to recognize autistic patients.

Many lacked general knowledge and training required for working with autistic patients. The researchers also said the lack of formal guidelines in the radiography workforce for dealing with such patients and limited standardization of practices created challenging conditions for radiographers to care for autistic patients properly. “Facilitating MR scan access means autistic people need not live with undiagnosed conditions or chronic pain, and they can get the treatment they need at the time they need it,” said Malamateniou. “This is vital for their well-being and quality of life, as it is for every person.”

The survey was published in Radiography.

The systematic review was published in Autism.

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