My Doctor on a Screen: How Telehealth Changed Everything for Me

By Eli Mercer on

I want to be real about this: doctor visits have always been a nightmare for me.

I’m autistic, and the whole process just overwhelms me. Waiting rooms with buzzing lights. Sitting near strangers who might talk to me. Filling out forms while my mind races. And then having to explain everything out loud while trying not to look too weird. It wasn’t just anxiety. It was dread.

 

I used to practice what to say days in advance. I’d write notes on my phone and forget them the second I sat down. I’d go completely blank when the doctor asked questions. I’d leave appointments feeling embarrassed, like I’d wasted everyone’s time.

 

My parents didn’t get it at first. They’d say, “Everyone gets nervous at the doctor. You’ll be fine.” But I wasn’t fine.

 

Then my therapist suggested telehealth. I thought it sounded ridiculous at first. Talking to someone on a screen? How could that possibly help?

But the first time I tried it was eye-opening.

 

I was at home in my room. No noisy waiting room. No fluorescent lights. No weird small talk with other patients.

Just me on my bed, with my headphones on.

 

When the doctor asked me questions, I could think. I didn’t feel rushed. If I forgot what to say, I could check my notes without feeling embarrassed.

If I got too anxious, I could rock or stim without worrying anyone would stare.

One time, I even typed my answer in the chat because I couldn’t get the words out. And that was okay.

 

It’s not perfect. The internet cuts out sometimes. Some doctors still rush things. And sure, it doesn’t work for every kind of appointment. But overall? It’s been such a relief.

 

I finally feel like I can actually talk about what’s going on without shutting down.

I know some people think remote care is lazy. That it’s not “real” healthcare.

But for me, it’s made care possible.

 

It’s given me a way to get help without burning out just trying to get through the door. If you’re autistic or neurodivergent and you’ve struggled with in-person visits, I want you to know telehealth isn’t second best. It might just be what you need.

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