Blood Draw Tool Kit

Blood Draw Tool Kit for Parents

Has your child with ASD had a negative experience during a doctor’s visit that has left him or her feeling anxious? Does the prospect of having your child’s blood drawn make you anxious as well? Perhaps this anxiety has even prevented you from seeking needed tests and treatments. This toolkit was designed with you and your child in mind. It provides a variety of tools to help you and your child to prepare for future medical visits and reduce the stress and worry that may come with blood draws. Inside, you will find strategies easing your child’s medical appointments, particularly those involving blood work. The kit’s resources include ready-made visual supports, social stories, relaxation and distraction techniques, and tips designed specifically for children with ASD. Although “Taking the Work Out of Blood Work” focuses on phlebotomy, the information and techniques presented here also apply to other aspects of a clinic visit, such as measuring vital signs, undergoing physical exams and tolerating those inevitable wait times. A medical provider version of this toolkit is also available. Send a copy to your child’s doctor or nurse prior to the medical visit so you can work together to insure a successful visit. A little preparation can promote a positive relationship between your child and his or her doctor and lay an important foundation for future health!

Download the Blood Draw Tool Kit for Parents

Anyone can download the Taking the Work Out of Blood Work: Helping Your Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder – A Parent’s Guide for free here. 

Blood Draw Tool Kit for Providers

Whether you work in a hospital, a physician’s office, or a research clinic, you may find yourself caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). By preparing to meet the unique needs of each child, you can ensure a productive and less stressful visit. The purpose of this toolkit is to provide strategies that you and your staff can use to help children with ASD more easily complete routine medical procedures and blood draws, while reducing the stress felt by your patients and their parents. Although completing phlebotomy with children with ASD is the main focus of these materials, the information and techniques presented here will apply to other aspects of a clinic visit (e.g., measuring vital signs, physical exams, developmental assessments) and may be helpful with persons of any age or developmental disability. The kit includes visual supports that can be customized for your patients. The parent version of this toolkit can help families prepare for visits. Finally, your provider toolkit’s pre- and post-visit questionnaires can help you evaluate your clinic procedures. A little preparation will help create a positive working relationship between you and your patient with ASD and lay a foundation for good medical care in the future.

Download the Blood Draw Tool Kit for Service Providers