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Blood tests

Deleted User

Hello. Our daughter (almost 9 years old) really struggles with personal space and this is currently an issue as she desperately needs a blood test. We managed to put the numbing cream on, got her to the doctor's for the paediatric nurse (who knows her) to do the blood test and our daughter refused and got extremely anxious and upset. We had to leave without it being done.

Any advice would be massively appreciated as at the moment I feel I am letting her down as I don't know how best to support her. 

Many thanks. 

  • Hi I’m so sorry you’re struggling with this. It must be so stressful for you to see and for your daughter to experience. One thing you could try is distracting her during the blood test, such as taking her fave DVD and a portable DVD player for her to watch, hopefully distracting her enough to get through the blood test. Could be her fave song playing, something that will settle and calm her.

    Another thing that might help is making it a more familiar environment. Sometimes being in an unfamiliar place can be especially unsettling, for autistic adults as well as children, so you might be able to take her blanket, a bear, toys and anything that could be taken that she’s familiar with. This might make her feel more comfortable and safe.

    You could also chat with the paediatrician to see what he or she can suggest. Undoubtedly they will have encountered other autistic patients and might have some helpful suggestions on things you and they can do to make it less stressful for your daughter.

    I hope this helps!

  • in reply to Deleted User

    I usually have my teddy bear with me or my iPod to listen to live music (I pretend to be at a live concert); lavender bags are really good.

    What about a reward afterwards? 

    Hope that helps you.

  • Hi Butterfly84,

    I am sorry you are struggling to get a blood test for your daughter and you feel like you are letting her down. This sounds like a very difficult situation. 

    The NAS website has advice and guidance on managing anxiety for autistic children which does discuss some strategies which may be useful to you. We do not have anything more specific unfortunately: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/anxiety-parental

    I hope this helps, 

    Gina Mod 

  • in reply to Gina Mod

    My apologies. I wasn't asking for medical advice - just how I may be able to support my daughter from those that have experienced it. Feel free to delete my post.

  • Dear Community Members,

    I would like to gently remind you of Community Rule 6: No medical or legal advice. Do not offer medical or legal advice. Always seek professional help for these matters. Treat any medical or legal information shared as the opinion of the user who posted it and meant for general discussion purposes only. 

    Many thanks,

    Gina Mod