How to Teach our Child to Swallow a Capsule - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Jim P · 06-17-2003, 01:08 PM

Our 9 year old son is PDD/NOS and has difficulty taking medications. He has recently switched from a pill form (which he would chew up and swallow) to a capsule type that is not recommended to be opened up for dispensing. I think once he figures it out, it won't be so bad, but getting there is the hardest part.

Any ideas out there?

06-17-2003, 08:38 PM

When my son started with Welbutrin we practised with "Jello Gigglers" which if you don't know is a firm style of Jello just follow the directions on the package and I chopped it into tablet or pill size. It's easy to swallow (slippery) and the my son liked practising

Joshua'sMom · 06-18-2003, 09:28 PM

That's a good question! I have no idea how to get my son to take pills either. I just always ask for liquid medication. My son has never taken any kind of pill not even a vitamin that you chew. He won't do the Jello so that is out here. I agree that a pill would be so much easier. He has a sensitivity thing with his mouth I reckon. He won't try different foods either. I know theres alot of you out there that think your child is a picky eater, but I believe I have the pickest of all.... lol

*Rachel K* · 06-19-2003, 07:33 AM

Hello,

I have a 6 year old son who has been able to swallow pills (capsules & caplets) for about a year now. I think the key is persistance. Try, try and try again. This seems to go along with every other hurdle that our kids try to overcome. I got my son to take capsules by putting one on his tongue and and drinking from a straw. It did not happen over night and we wasted many capsules (vitamins and medication) in practicing. But he got it and is able to swallow several at a time now. Good luck to all. Just keep trying and they will eventually get it.

Rachel