Any #ActuallyAutistic people on here have any suggestions for helping my autistic 11yo have his vaccination shot. Tried today & it resulted in meltdown & no vaccination. He’s afraid of the pain.
Would it help if you “practice” with him? Tell him it’s just like a tiny pinch and if he’s okay with it, count 1-2-3 and pinch a bit of the skin on his arm quickly. Ask if he’s okay with that sensation, and if he is, then he’ll be okay with the shot. (As for the arm ache he might get later, well, it’s usually easier for kids than for grownups.)
Often for autistic people, that kind of anxiety has more to do with not knowing exactly what to expect. If he has a good idea what it’ll feel like, he might be more open to it.