Blood test for my Teen with ASD

[Elisabennet]

Hello, My son is 17 and needs a blood test, he no longer comes under pediatrics . I have to take him to phlebottomy but there is no actual way he will let them take his blood. He is a gentle giant but for that will actually fight them off. Not sure what options are then (once they can't do it)? Anyone has any experience in this, I am so worried they decide to give up on his health because of this.

Call phlebotomy beforehand.

If your local hospital has a learning disability liaison nurse, also contact them. Even if DS doesn’t have a learning disability, they often support those with ASD without a learning disability.

Does DS have a hospital passport?

Think about what would help DS. Would numbing cream or spray help? Would a buzzy help? The first or last appointment of the day? Or if it is a walk in service, skipping the queue? Would having bloods taken at home be better? If the bloods aren’t urgent, does DS need some desensitisation work beforehand?

Hello, I honestly could have written this post and we are still waiting nearly a year later. It’s so hard and especially when we’ve tried everything. Even all the tips mentioned above. Although atm he’s been unwell, so I’m hoping that the scare of him nearly passing out this morning will finally make him understand why he needs them.
Wishing you lots of luck and I’m keeping my eyes on this post for more information and tips.

@CL2208 have you tried Entonox. It isn’t something that is routinely offered but it can be arranged.

Hello, thank you for your reply. I can enquire, although I do not think he will have that as he’s funny about breathing anything strange and refuses nasal sprays etc plus lots of sensory issues with smell and not liking things on his face too, but I will look into it.