Social stories are picture-based explanations of things that are going to happen, and are useful especially for children and parents to preview and prepare for upcoming events, especially when unfamiliar.
Coming to a place like the NIH Clinical Center, may be less stressful for a family if a child is able to see pictures and learn about things that may happen.
These social stories about coming to the Clinical Center provide general information, and we encourage families to talk to research teams about other specific stories or preparation materials that may be helpful, including the videos below about specific procedures.
Welcome to the NIH Clinical Center
1 / 15
My trip to NIH.
2 / 15
Welcome to the NIH! You can get information about your visit from the Information Desk.
3 / 15
You will visit the NIH badging office to take a picture and get your official ID badge.
4 / 15
You may meet with the study team in the Pediatrics Clinic.
5 / 15
Doctors and nurses may take your vitals – including: measuring your weight and height and taking your blood pressure and your temperature. They may also ask you some questions about your health.
6 / 15
You may have a blood draw at the Phlebotomy department. Your caregiver will be right there with you the whole time.
7 / 15
You might get an MRI. An MRI machine is like a big magnet that works with a computer to take pictures of what's happening inside your body. It won't hurt, and you will be able to talk to your doctors the whole time.
8 / 15
You will have time to play in the NIH playrooms!
9 / 15
You may have a room or stay overnight at 1NW Pediatrics. If you do, your caregiver will get to be there with you.
10 / 15
You may get to order a meal from the NIH menu. There are lots of yummy foods to choose from!
11 / 15
Your family can spend time in the family lounge on 1NW Pediatrics.
12 / 15
You may get to ride on the NIH Shuttle.
13 / 15
You may stay overnight at The Children's Inn.
14 / 15
At the Children's Inn, you will get your own mailbox where you can get letters and other fun surprises. There are lots of fun things to do at the Inn, like playing games in the game room. You can find fun toys to play with in the playroom. You and your family can cook and eat meals together at the Inn kitchen.
15 / 15
Questions I might ask the NIH team.