Caring for your child when they are ill

🤧 Autistic children, especially non-verbal, often do not show symptoms of illness quite the same as neurotypical children. Some of our kiddos have a high pain tolerance and often are not conscious of things like body temperature. Here are some signs you should watch for:

Warning signs ⚠️

- less active than usual

- more irritability

- a sudden change in appetite

- fever

- rash

- rosy cheeks

- glossy eyes

- pulling at or smacking ears

- changes in bowel movements

- holding or hitting their belly

🤒 When your child starts showing early signs of being sick, take their temperature and call your pediatrician. Start tracking their symptoms in a journal to be shared with the doctor.

😫 Our kiddos are sometimes more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, ear infections, and various other things. So when you notice symptoms, it's best to get them checked out.

🛋 Resting/recovery:

As we all know, you gotta try to rest when ill, so try to help them rest and be comfortable. Maybe have a quiet room with all their favorite things. Some examples might be:

- favorite TV show

- tablet/phone

- stuffed animal

- blanket/pillow

- favorite foods/drinks

🌟 Sensory processing needs:

A child’s sensory needs may be out of wack when sick. A child who used to seek may avoid and vice versa. This may be hard as a parent because the things they enjoyed before getting sick and would soothe them may now set them off. You may need to start back from the beginning and offer them different sensory items slowly to see what they may need while their body is healing.

🧃 Eating and drinking:

Your child may become lethargic and not want to drink liquids. If this is the case, please call your Dr about what their protocol is for wet diapers/amount of peeing. Our kids are known to go through food regressions during times of illness, so it is not uncommon for a child to stop eating completely. Just keep offering their favorites but never force them to eat. If you suspect your child is becoming dehydrated, please take them to the children's ER to help get them rehydrated.

💊 Taking Medicine:

We know how difficult it can be to get them to take medications. We are working on a featured post with more suggestions. Here's what we have now:

- picking a flavor your child may enjoy

- hiding medication in a favorite drink or food

- chocolate milk hides medication very well!

- finding alternatives such as suppository Tylenol

- talking through the process and offering a reward or prize if they take it

- alternating their visual schedule to add in taking medication

- antibiotics or steroids can be given via injection. Your Dr can administer these, but you may need to go in several times over several days. Give them a call to inquire.

🏥 Preparing for a trip to Urgent Care/ER:

Take a few minutes to think about things that will make you both more comfortable with a trip to the doctor.

🧒 Ideas of things to pack for them are:

- their favorite cup

- a snack they enjoy

- sensory items

- extra clothes

- diapers/wipes

- tablet/phone/chargers

- safe/comfort items

👩 Ideas of things to pack for you:

- ID, insurance card, and any applicable medical documents

- list of their current medication (prescription and over-the-counter)

- your phone/charger

- book to read

- notepad and pen

- change of clothes

- snack

- list of their doctors/therapist and upcoming appointments

🏨 While in the ER, ask if they have a patient advocate or a sensory program. Most children's hospitals do. They can provide you sensory items to help your little one be more comfortable and regulated.