I have twins who are 2.5 - both have ASD, one has multiple other disabilities / health issues and has had a lot of investigations / monitoring / treatment involving needles from birth. He used to handle it very well when he was a baby and still now he has his blood sugar tested every day and doesn’t even flinch. However, the last few blood tests have been very distressing for him (and for me), and the last time he had a cannula (for a general anaesthetic) he was utterly terrified - he was trying to get away and so distressed until he went under and I felt absolutely dreadful putting him through it.
He’s been called in for a test on Wednesday that will involve having a cannula put in, blood drawn, a medication administered and then blood drawn at 30 and 60 mins through the cannula and then we can go home.
I’m really dreading it (I am terrified of needles myself due to ones in my childhood, although I was slightly older than him - mainly having my tonsils out age 4 and the jabs around that time). I try so hard to stay calm and not show that I’m worried or nervous and I don’t think he picks up on any anxiety from me. I think having his arm or leg held so still is a huge part of the distress for him as he dislikes being restrained.
He can’t talk or understand words so I can’t explain to him what’s happening, why and that it will be over quickly, which I’m sure would help.
Aside from shoving a tablet playing Hey Duggee in front of him, can anyone suggest anything that might help? I’m sure there are lots of people with more experience than me.
His twin is going to need his first blood tests in ages soon too and that’s even more of a worry as he’s simply not used to it at all, and more liable to fight back!