Skip to content
the autism kit
Guide

How do I prepare my autistic child for a blood test?

Asking for adjustments, numbing cream, preparing with pictures, and a plan for the day.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Listen to this articleAbout 1 min
Read aloud · speed
A health worker using a medical device on a girl's arm at a clinic
Photo: Gustavo Fring on Pexels
The short answer

Call ahead and ask for adjustments: a quiet room, the first appointment, a children's phlebotomist, and time for numbing cream to work. Prepare your child honestly with a short social story, picture steps and practice at home. On the day, keep your child upright and close, use distraction, and plan something good after. If a blood test isn't possible, talk to the doctor about options.

Key takeaways
  • Call ahead and ask for adjustments.
  • Ask about numbing cream (it needs time to work).
  • Prepare with a social story and practice.
  • Keep your child upright and close; plan a 'then'.

What adjustments can I ask for?

Blood test adjustments
Ask forWhy
First appointment of the dayLess waiting
Quiet roomLess noise and fewer people
Children's phlebotomistMore experience with young patients
Numbing creamCan reduce needle pain; needs time to work
Longer slotTime to go at your child's pace

The NHS explains what happens during a blood test.1 Numbing creams and comfort positions can reduce needle pain.2

How do I prepare my child?

  1. Write a social story with photos.3
  2. Show steps: sit, sleeve up, band, poke, plaster, done.
  3. Practise the sleeve and band at home.
  4. Pick a 'then' for after.
Free printable: social narrative templatePDF · 1 page · a simple story to prepare for a new or hard situation
Download Free printable: social narrative template

What can I do before the test?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

A quiet room, less waiting, an experienced children's phlebotomist, numbing cream, and a longer slot.

Sources

  1. NHS: Blood tests. nhs.uk
  2. Taddio A, McMurtry CM, Shah V, et al. Reducing pain during vaccine injections: clinical practice guideline. CMAJ, 2015;187(13):975-982. doi.org
  3. Carol Gray Social Stories. carolgraysocialstories.com

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

Was this guide helpful?
Share this guide with someone who'd find it useful
Listen

Keep reading

All guides and stories →

One small, useful tip a week

Practical ideas built on evidence-based practices, plus a free printable to start. Unsubscribe anytime.

We never sell or share your email.