# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/blood-test-autistic-child
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-28

**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?

| Ask for | Why |
| --- | --- |
| First appointment of the day | Less waiting |
| Quiet room | Less noise and fewer people |
| Children's phlebotomist | More experience with young patients |
| Numbing cream | Can reduce needle pain; needs time to work |
| Longer slot | Time 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.

**Bring a comfort kit.** Headphones, a tablet with a favourite video, a snack for after, and a comfort toy.

Free printable: [Free printable: social narrative template](https://theautismkit.com/printables/social-narrative-template.pdf)

## What can I do before the test?

- [ ] Call ahead to ask for adjustments
- [ ] Ask about numbing cream
- [ ] Write a short blood test story

## Common questions

### What adjustments can I ask for?

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

### Can tests be combined?

Sometimes. Ask whether other tests could use the same blood draw, to avoid extra needles.

### What if it can't be done?

Stop, keep your child safe, and talk to the doctor about another plan.

## Sources

1. NHS: Blood tests. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/blood-tests/
2. Taddio A, McMurtry CM, Shah V, et al. Reducing pain during vaccine injections: clinical practice guideline. CMAJ, 2015;187(13):975-982. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150391
3. Carol Gray Social Stories. https://carolgraysocialstories.com/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.