{"id":16073,"date":"2020-10-13T12:52:27","date_gmt":"2020-10-13T16:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=16073"},"modified":"2025-01-31T10:07:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T15:07:57","slug":"teaching-children-with-autism-medication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/teaching-children-with-autism-medication\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensory overload: Teaching children with autism to take medication"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it\u2019s because they don\u2019t like the taste of the liquid, are unable to swallow pills, or fear injections, some children struggle to take their medications. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be even more overwhelmed or anxious about taking medication.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide will explain why children with autism reject medication and provide tips for parents to make taking medicine as easy as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do some children with autism dislike taking medication?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Medication refusal can happen on any day for any reason, but if your child consistently refuses medication, it may be helpful to understand why. It\u2019s important to avoid blaming children and instead work with them to overcome their concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Autism and anxiety disorders<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40% of young people with autism spectrum disorder experience <\/span>clinically significant anxiety<\/span><\/a> or at least one anxiety-related condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety disorders may be a reason for taking medication and a reason why your child refuses medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sensitivity to tastes and textures<\/b><\/h3>\n

Studies show that food selectivity, aka \u201cpicky eating,\u201d is <\/span>common among children with autism<\/span><\/a>. Food selectivity may be linked to heightened sensitivity to tastes and smells.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children with autism may experience the world around them differently. A sound, sight, smell, texture, or taste that seems unremarkable to many may trigger extreme reactions. In other words, liquid medicine, chewable tablets, or gummies that seem fine to you might smell, feel, or taste disgusting to a child with autism.<\/span><\/p>\n

Difficulty swallowing pills<\/b><\/h3>\n

Swallowing is a complex process requiring coordinated movements by the tongue, hard palate, and esophagus. Children diagnosed with ASD are more likely to have sensory-motor and coordination difficulties. Some aren\u2019t able to activate the motor functions needed to swallow on command.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the oral phase of swallowing, the tongue and hard palate must propel the medication toward the back of the throat. Once this happens, the swallow reflex should activate. If it doesn\u2019t, children may cough, choke, spit up, or get the pill stuck in their throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear of needles and other fears<\/b><\/h3>\n

Phobias are some of the most frequent subtypes of anxiety disorders, which commonly co-occur with ASD. Children with autism are prone to common childhood fears (like fear of needles) and common food fears such as fear of vomiting, choking, or allergic reaction. They may also have uncommon fears which cause anxiety as well. One study found that <\/span>41% of children with autism had \u201cunusual fears<\/span><\/a>,\u201d such as vacuum cleaners, toilets, and elevators.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children with autism may fear the side effects of a medication, or they may associate the side effects of the medication with another fear. Since fear of the toilet is one of the more prevalent \u201cuncommon\u201d fears, a medication with digestive side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea may exacerbate that fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resistance to change<\/b><\/h3>\n

Resistance to change is common among children with autism. Children may resist taking medication (especially a new one) because it interrupts their established routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before a doctor\u2019s appointment, parents should inform their children that the healthcare provider may prescribe them medication that they may need to take. Telling them early will give them time to adjust and prepare for a change in their routine or schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Guide to sensory-friendly doctor visits for children with autism spectrum disorder<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Why<\/a><\/p>\n

How to teach a child with autism to take medicine<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are several ways to teach a child with autism to take medication. Explore the different options to find a tactic that works for your child.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gradual introduction and reduction of assistance<\/b><\/h3>\n

Gradual introduction (shaping) and gradual reduction of assistance (stimulus fading) are two effective methods for teaching children to swallow pills. Both involve gradual steps, starting with small items that your child likes, such as grains of rice or a tic-tac candy, and increasing the size until it matches the pill. Shaping focuses on building the skill step by step, while stimulus fading also reduces anxiety by ensuring the child is comfortable at every stage. Tailoring the approach to your child\u2019s needs can make pill swallowing easier and less stressful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Positive reinforcement<\/b><\/h3>\n

Maintaining a positive attitude and staying calm can help children also remain calm during events that may cause fear, such as taking medicine. The <\/span>Autism Speaks<\/span><\/a> organization explains that providing positive feedback more frequently than constructive or negative feedback can build self-esteem and improve motivation. When your child completes one of the steps above, provide positive verbal feedback or rewards like playing with a favorite toy or game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Visual and social stories<\/b><\/h3>\n

As with doctor\u2019s appointments,<\/span> visual and social stories are a great way to help prepare your child for what to expect when taking a pill. When reading the story, make sure to talk in a calm, measured voice and explain the sensations your child may experience. Many children\u2019s television shows or online videos also have episodes centered around taking medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Modeling<\/b><\/h3>\n

Modeling shows children that the action you want them to take is easy and harmless. When children see a parent swallow a pill or take liquid medicine, they may feel less anxiety about doing it themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Modeling may be beneficial for children with autism who struggle to understand spoken instructions. Seeing a person perform a task and then imitating the task may be a more effective way for them to learn. Keep pill-like objects on hand to model proper medicine-taking behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practice sessions<\/b><\/h3>\n

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if they offer placebo pills in a similar size, shape, and color to the actual pill to give your<\/span> child the chance to practice swallowing the pill<\/span><\/a>. Have your child take the medication at the same time and location (home, school, etc.) where he or she will be taking the actual medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special steps with liquid medication<\/b><\/h2>\n

In addition to the steps above, you may be able to introduce additives to make a liquid medication taste better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask your pharmacist if it\u2019s okay to mix the medication with water, juice, or another liquid that will mask the medication\u2019s taste. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you about what drinks or foods to use that won\u2019t interact with the medication. You should only use a small amount of additional liquid because you need to ensure your child ingests all the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may want to ask the pharmacist if they add any flavoring to liquid medication, which is a common practice. You might be able to request a flavor that your child prefers or avoid one they don\u2019t like. Sometimes the added flavoring can be really strong and your child might prefer the liquid without the flavoring.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your child refuses liquid medication, ask a medical professional if the same medication is available in a pill or chewable tablet form.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special steps with pills<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ideally, the techniques above will allow your child to become more comfortable with swallowing a pill. If not, there are a few additional strategies to ask your child\u2019s healthcare provider and pharmacist about. Note: Some medications should not be broken, crushed, cut, or dissolved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breaking or crushing pills, when safe<\/b><\/h3>\n

If deemed safe by your child\u2019s healthcare provider or pharmacist, you can <\/span>break, crush, or cut<\/span><\/a> large pills into smaller pieces to make them easier to swallow. If it is safe to crush the pill, you may decide to blend it into a food such as<\/span> applesauce or pudding<\/span><\/a>. Some children who struggle to swallow pills have no problem taking the medication in a spoonful of yogurt, applesauce, or peanut butter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dissolving in liquid<\/b><\/h3>\n

It is sometimes possible to dissolve some pills in water or juice to make them more palatable to your child. If your child\u2019s provider or pharmacist says it\u2019s okay, you can crush the pill and stir it into your child\u2019s favorite juice. If you can break or crush the pill safely, it will probably dissolve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Precautions when performing these steps<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Always consult your physician and\/or pharmacist to determine if breaking, crushing, or dissolving your child\u2019s pills is acceptable. Some medications contain special coatings that release the medication over time. Breaking or crushing them may destroy this film, causing the medication to be released all at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re adding medication to foods or liquids, make sure your child consumes the medication immediately after preparation. Don\u2019t prepare large batches of food with medicine because the medication may degrade over time when crushed or removed from its protective packaging. Finally, never bake medicines into food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pill-swallowing techniques<\/b><\/h3>\n