Helping an Individual with Down Syndrome Tolerate COVID-19 Testing

*Please note: this article discusses viral testing used to diagnose if an individual currently has COVID-19. This article does not discuss antibody testing used to determine if an individual was exposed to COVID-19 previously and developed some level of immunity to COVID-19. 

A common method to test for COVID-19 is to use a long swab to collect a specimen from the nasopharyngeal region, which is located at the back of the inside of the nose. 

While the procedure is not painful, it can be uncomfortable and upsetting for some individuals. The resources shared below can be used to prepare an individual for the test and help them better tolerate the test. 

Videos Demonstrating the Nasopharyngeal Swab

• This Collection of Nasopharyngeal Specimens video provides a clinical demonstration of the nasopharyngeal swab. It was developed and shared by the New England Journal of Medicine. 

• Supporting Your Child During COVID-19 Nasal Swab Testing is a video created by the Mayo Clinic. It provides an accessible explanation with helpful tips. The description of the test starts at 01:15. 

Other Resources

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared a social story, an interactive social story, and a video for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities about getting a COVID-19 test.

• The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh shared an article called Preparing Your Child for Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing. It recommends using coping techniques such as listening to soft music, counting, and deep breathing during the test. It also suggests having a favorite item to hold on to during the test and a cold beverage to drink after the test. 

• The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation shared a handout called Preparing Your Loved One for a COVID Test.

• In the Q&A portion of a webinar hosted by the Matthew Foundation, Dr. Noemi Spinazzi, the Medical Director of the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Clinic, shared the following tips: 

  • Describe the test prior to giving it in order to prepare the individual. Dr. Spinazzi tells individuals that she will put a swab in their nose, and it may feel "tickly and irritating" and "it makes you want to sneeze or cough." 

  • Dr. Spinazzi recommends having the individual lie down and putting something above the individual to focus on. Someone can stand above the individual and support their head and keep them distracted. Then, tell the patient that "this might not feel good, but it will be over quickly."