DD refusing meds

[Anonymous]

Need help - give me your best advice.

ASD Elementary age DD has a medical condition that requires injectable medication.

We are on day 5 of her outright refusing her shot. She runs and locks herself in a room, physically fights and bites. We can’t hold her down either.

In lucid moments she will articulate that she knows she needs the medicine but has stressed herself about the needle. She also doesn’t think it’s fair that she “has to take medication” (she doesn’t get that medical conditions aren’t a choice and magic thinking won’t change them).

Starting to get nervous as we see the effects of not taking the med. we did make an appointment with her ped this week to see if they can help.

Tried bribery and every trick I know. Please send great ideas!!

[Anonymous]

You said she has ASD - do you have a therapist, or other provider who can work with you on this?

Your pediatrician is a good start, but you likely need someone who is very well versed with your DD specifically to try and help with appropriate incentives, etc to make this easier.

[Anonymous]

Can she articulate the concern? Do they hurt? Have you tried numbing the area? How old?