Outpatient Blood Draw Support Helps Neurodivergent Pediatric Patients at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Child Life specialists and phlebotomists tailor coping strategies, education and accommodations to young patients’ unique needs.
WINFIELD, Ill. — For many, a blood draw can be intimidating. For pediatric patients with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, including ADHD, Down syndrome, or previous medical trauma, it can be especially overwhelming.
At Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, phlebotomists and pediatric specialists work together to create a more supportive outpatient blood draw experience for neurodivergent children. Through individualized planning and evidence-based coping strategies, the team works to ease anxiety and make laboratory testing less stressful for patients and families.
For 7-year-old Frankie Edgar of Darien, that support made all the difference.
Frankie has a sensory processing and language disorder that can make it difficult for him to navigate new situations and communicate his needs. After years of watching his younger brother undergo treatment for serious health conditions, he had also developed a fear of hospitals and medical procedures.
When blood work was needed, his mother, Jessica Edgar, turned to the Child Life team at Central DuPage Hospital for support. Child Life specialists help children and families navigate a wide range of healthcare experiences, from routine lab visits to hospitalizations and complex medical treatments.
Recognizing the unique challenges blood draws can present for neurodivergent children, the Child Life team partnered with the hospital's phlebotomists to develop a blood draw support program. Through ongoing collaboration, the teams work together to make blood draws more comfortable and successful for young patients and their families.
Before the appointment, Child Life specialists spoke with Frankie's family to better understand his needs and develop a personalized plan for the visit.
During the appointment, Frankie was introduced to each step of the procedure before it happened. He was able to see and touch equipment, feel the tourniquet, examine components of the collection system and learn what sensations to expect. Throughout the experience, he was given choices and encouraged to participate in ways that felt comfortable to him.
“Before this visit, the idea of a blood draw felt overwhelming because Frankie needs time to process information and understand what is happening around him,” said Jessica. “Everyone took the time to meet him where he was, explain everything in a way he could understand. Watching him get through the blood draw calmly and confidently was incredible as a parent.”
Because blood draw support is tailored to each child's individual needs, the program is available by appointment only and begins with a screening call. During the call, specialists discuss available options and develop a coping plan for the patient.
“When a child comes in feeling anxious or uncertain, even a few minutes of preparation can completely change their experience,” said Naomi Serrano, a phlebotomist at Central DuPage Hospital. “Having these coping strategies and tools as part of their care plan helps us prepare for their unique needs and adapt our approach. It allows us to prepare them for what's ahead and creates a smoother experience for everyone involved, including the phlebotomy team.”
Jessica said the experience has already changed the way Frankie thinks about future healthcare visits.
“Now he understands what a blood draw is and what to expect,” Edgar said. “Instead of it being this scary unknown, he has a positive experience to build on for the future.”
“Child Life specialists play an essential role in helping children and families navigate healthcare experiences with greater confidence and less stress,” said Dora Castro-Ahillen, Child Life manager at Central DuPage Hospital. “Whether supporting a routine blood draw or helping families through complex medical journeys, these team members ensure care is personalized, compassionate and centered around the unique needs of every child.”
At Northwestern Medicine, Child Life services are available at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital. At Central DuPage Hospital, these specialists also provide support in the pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric outpatient clinics, pediatric emergency department, and in radiology and surgery.
To schedule an appointment for outpatient blood draw support at Central DuPage Hospital, call 630-933-7529 and press 3. Appointments are available for patients age 17 and younger (or up to age 18 if still in high school).
For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.
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