Most children are nervous about having blood drawn, but kids with autism can find it particularly worrying and overwhelming.
That's why Autism Speaks today released a Blood Draw Tool Kit for parents, with a companion guide for professionals.
The tool kit includes tips on how to prepare your child, relaxation and distraction strategies, a visual schedule of what happens during a blood draw, 'first-then' boards (see image above), how to write a related social story, and why it's important to bring a reward.
The kit is designed to help children with autism before, during and after blood draws. But I believe parents of all children will benefit from these strategies. Check it out! Louise
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2 comments:
That was interesting and I'm sure the pamphlet will be helpful to some caregivers, but everything I read seemed like common sense to me. Maybe because Cody and I have been through a bazillion blood draws and doctor appointments. :)
Interesting you would say that. My daughter doesn't mind having blood tests. I was surprised, I thought she would hate it.
Clara
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