# How do I prepare my autistic child for shots and needles?

> Honest preparation, numbing cream, comfort positions, distraction, and what to ask the nurse.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/shots-and-needles-autism
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-28

**Short answer:** Tell your child honestly and simply what will happen, close to the time (a day before for many young children). Ask your doctor about numbing cream, hold your child in a comforting, upright position, use distraction like a video or bubbles, and keep it quick. Show first-then: "First shot, then treat." Clinical guidance supports these steps to reduce pain for children.

**Key takeaways**
- Prepare **honestly and simply**.
- Ask about **numbing cream**.
- Hold your child **upright and close**.
- Use **distraction** and **first-then**.

## What does the research suggest?

A clinical practice guideline on vaccine pain recommends things like sitting upright, holding young children, distraction and numbing creams.[1]

## How do I prepare my child?

1. **Tell them simply**: "The nurse will give a quick poke in your arm. Then a sticker."
2. **Use a short story** with photos.[2]
3. **Practise** with a toy doctor kit.
4. **Plan a 'then'**: a treat or favourite activity.

## What helps during the shot?

**Try:**
- Sitting upright on your lap
- Numbing cream, if your doctor agrees
- A video, bubbles or counting
- A calm, matter-of-fact tone

**Skip:**
- Surprise shots
- Promising 'it won't hurt'
- Long waits holding your child down

**Tell the nurse the plan.** Share what helps your child before the needle comes out, so everyone moves at the same pace.

Free printable: [Free first-then printable](https://theautismkit.com/printables/first-then-board.pdf)

## What can I do before the next shot?

- [ ] Ask your doctor about numbing cream
- [ ] Write a short shot story
- [ ] Pick a 'then' reward

Read next: [How do I prepare my autistic child for a blood test?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/blood-test-autistic-child)

## Common questions

### Should I tell my child about the shot?

Yes, honestly and simply. Surprises can make future visits harder. Avoid promising it won't hurt.

### Does numbing cream work?

Topical numbing creams can reduce needle pain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, since they need time to work.

### What if my child has a strong fear of needles?

Talk to your doctor before the visit about a plan. Some offices have extra supports for anxious children.

## Sources

1. 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
2. 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.