Helping Children with ASD: Colds and Flu
- Yoohwa Roslie Hong
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Caring for a sick child isn’t easy, even under the best circumstances. For parents of ASD children or those with other developmental disabilities, colds and the flu can present unique challenges.
Recognizing Illness
It can sometimes be difficult to tell when something is wrong. Children with ASD may experience pain differently. Therefore, some appear largely unaffected by discomfort, while others are highly sensitive. Each child communicates discomfort in their own way. Some can verbalize what hurts, while others rely on parents to notice subtle signs. Behavioral changes, sleep and eating patterns, and obvious symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or fever can provide clues. Even small changes, such as repeatedly rubbing the side of the head, may indicate an ear infection or dental problem.
Supporting Your Child Through Illness
Determine how your child best copes with sickness. If medical visits are stressful, visual schedules can help.
For example, a schedule showing:
Car ride to the doctor
Stop at the pharmacy
Working With Medical Providers
Seek guidance from your child’s healthcare team. If your child resists eating, ask for a plan to ensure proper nutrition. Sleep difficulties may be addressed with melatonin or other doctor-recommended aids. During appointments, bring comforting items and, if possible, a trusted adult to help your child stay engaged while you communicate important information.
Providing a medical history and describing visible symptoms is crucial for children who cannot verbalize their discomfort. Call ahead to see if accommodations can be made, such as scheduling the first appointment of the day.
Proactive Preparation
You can prepare while your child is healthy. Talk about what being sick feels like, how to describe symptoms, and what a visit to the doctor entails. Use pictures, stories, or body charts to help your child communicate discomfort. Practicing taking vitamins or sipping nutritional shakes can make giving medicine less stressful during illness. Having a clear plan for when your child gets sick helps reduce stress and supports faster recovery for both of you.
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