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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. 

Parents

  • 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!

Reply

  • 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!

Children
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