To force my DS to drink?

[thetonsillolith]

I'm so sorry but I am posting here for traffic because SN Children is v quiet.

DS is 4 and is autistic and had his tonsils out on Tuesday. We are as on top of pain as we can be, alternating Calpol and Nurofen every four hours. We are struggling to get anything into him whatsoever.

We have tried:
Water
Ice cubes
Crushed ice
Flavoured ice poles
Ice lollies (his favourite)
Ice cream
Cold milk
Cold milkshake

He won't drink juice or soda, never has.

Yesterday we had to resort to forcing him to drink, which was incredibly traumatic for all involved.

He cannot understand why he must drink, he just knows it hurts so he doesn't want to do it.

Any ideas? Soon it may have to be hospital and drip, which he would absolutely hate (and fight)

Just seen update. Hope that's for the best

That's correct @Streamside but op.Also said her son had moderate autism now I don't know what her sons cognitive ability is but my own child with autism and learning disabilities wouldn't be able to understand the need to.drink, a paediatrician really should understand that children with autism and or learning difficulties might have some trouble comprehending that.

Once he's well enough to be discharged I'd get some Difflam - really the best numbing throat spray you can get, then hopefully he will be happier to drink. Can get on prescription or buy from the pharmacy.

Op I’m sorry you & your ds are going through this :( I thought I’d add my ds (also moderate asd although older) is more cooperative if I let him try it on me first- so if I was using a syringe, I’d fill it with water and give it to him to squirt in my mouth first, throughout this I’m all laughing and smiling and see if I can slyly encourage him to take turns playing with the syringe.

Is he old enough to be given difflam spray?
It's an anaesthetic which, as an adult after tonsil removal, made it manageable to take a tiny codeine tablet in the night when the pain really kicked in.

@ContessaIsOnADietDammit

Have you tried oranurse toothpaste? It’s the only one my 15yo (sensory issues) will use. Unflavoured, doesn’t foam and she says it doesn’t sting the way that others do. Originally developed for ASD patients.

receded I had not heard of that one, and it hadn't even occurred to me to look for a sensory-friendly toothpaste other than just trying them all in rotation massive thanks - that will actually make a huge difference in our household