In this series, The Arc of Massachusetts will be spotlighting Operation House Call Students of the Month. Each month, we will be profiling one student who has taken part in OHC and shared the impact that the program has had on them.
“My Operation House Call visit with H and his family was an incredibly meaningful experience that gave me a new perspective on what it means to live with and care for a child with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Much of our conversation centered on how healthcare providers can make visits more manageable, especially given the magnitude of providers the family has seen. H’s parents described how meaningful it is when doctors and dentists take the time to communicate clearly and patiently: using strategies like ‘tell, show, do,’ letting H feel instruments before they are used, and speaking slowly in a steady tone. These approaches reduce his anxiety and help him stay engaged and empowered, while also making his parents feel included as partners in his care.
What struck me most was their recognition that even small gestures – a calm voice, an extra minute of explanation – can completely change the tone of a visit. What was really eye-opening was when they also shared how even with extensive medical and community support, there is still a constant feeling that it may never be quite enough, because new challenges always lie ahead. The uncertainty of a rare condition has been a defining part of their journey, but so too has the resilience they have built in response.
Beyond the medical details, I was deeply moved by how candidly they spoke about family life. Listening to H’s parents gave me a deeper appreciation for the strength, adaptability, and love it takes to support a child with complex needs. I realized that caring for a child like H is not only about navigating medicine; it is about constantly balancing uncertainty with resilience and finding ways to build joy into everyday routines. Their perspective reminded me that as a future provider, my responsibility is not just to the individual patient but to the family as a whole.
Approaching visits with patience, empathy, and clarity -no matter how small the detail – can make a profound difference in building trust and supporting families who often feel like they are carrying an endless load. I am grateful to H’s parents for their openness in sharing their journey, and I will carry their lessons forward into my own practice.”
