Innoculations - 4 yo DS with ASD

[WellTidy]

DS is due his booster MMR jab. I have no concerns about the MMR/ASD link, or lack of, and I ideally want him to have the booster. But I have no idea how we will manage it. DS has developmental delays across the board of 18-24 months (save for being able to do puzzles, which he is very good at for his age! That's what ABA has done for him), a severe speech and language delay (no sounds beyond the first letter sound of certain words) and anxiety and behavioural issues associated with the ASD.

I cant imagine how I am going to get him into the nurse's room at our surgery as he hated going into small enclosed spaces. Going into a toilet cubicle, for example is very distressing for him. Let alone how the nurse would actually be able to administer the jabs.

The more I'm thinking about it, the less I think it will be possible for him to have it. He last had innoculations when he was maybe 18 months or so and he was just like any other NT toddler.

Any experiences of this please, and what did you do?

[MrsBobDylan]

I think you have to,find a way for him to have it as being ill in hospital for a child with asd is a nightmare and you want to avoid the things the jab inoculates against.

My asd child was terrified and very physical and there was no calming him down so I had to hold him while he had it done. I gave him calpol beforehand to numb the pain as much as possible and let him have chocolate before, during and after the jab!

He took a few hours to forgive me but two years on, he doesn't remember any of it.

[PunkyBubba]

I felt exactly the same as you, but was advised to speak to my doctors surgery, explain the situation, and ensure 2 nurses were there to administer the injections ( there are 2 for the 4 year MMR booster) at the same time.

Also I brought my DH. DS sat on my lap, DH then was told quickly how to help hold DS still too, then both nurses jabbed him at the same time, and it was over in seconds! I had chocolate on hand to give DS immediately after and he was fine.

It was much less traumatic than I thought!

[WellTidy]

Good advice about asking for two experienced nurses, and also maybe to take DH. I seem always To think how am I going to manage something tricky due to ASD alone. I need to realise that I don't need to take sole responsibility for everything.

I know that DS will need restraining and I know that he will be angry with me for hours. No amount of chocolate or to or anything will calm him down. But I do feel more prepared.

Thank you. You've been really helpful. I knew you would be

[WellTidy]

We have an nhs SN dentist, yes. Pead referred us to her just before diagnosis. She is great. Teeth brushing is still a huge issue for us, but DS is seen every 3 months by the SN dentist, and she looks in his moth as much as is possible.

DS also does to a specialist eye clinic, which is good too

[WellTidy]

I'm glad you've had more success recently. I know we are fighting a losing battle with teeth. DS wouldn't tolerate the noise of an electric toothbrush (or hand dryer, hairdryer type noises) or the sensation. It would be a better alternative. Did the dentist coat all of the milk teeth, and was your DS under anaesthetic?

[WellTidy]

Good advice about the toothbrush as a toy. He likes hexbugs, so maybe there is some hope! Dentist told me about not rinsing too, and I had spent 4 years telling my NT 8 year old to rinse! Also you could apply a smear of toothpaste directly to the teeth before bed, just a smear. I now try and do this with both DSs.

[WellTidy]

Thanks very much for the recommendation. Just been onto their website and bought two. Every little helps! DS is also a chewer of his toothbrush. I think I will keep cheap ones for him to chew on and make these specialist ones just for adults to brush his teeth with.