I dreaded this day. The entire school was to receive their 2nd measles inoculation. How many of us would have to hold Eric down to receive the shot? Could I stand to betray his trust in this intrusive way?

I arrived at the school with my clipboard ~ paper and a box of popsicles. At the nurse's station, Eric co-cooperatively sat down. I wrote down everything that was about to happen.

"Eric, this is nurse Anna. There is medicine in this needle. Dr. Kennedy wants Anna to quickly put the needle in your arm. It will hurt a little for 1..2..3..FINISHED. Can you sit VERY still?"

I knelt down in front of Eric, he held the clipboard, read the words and smiled. I then requested Anna to demonstrate on my arm just what was going to happen. We asked Eric for his permission to start.

It did take 3 of us to hold onto Eric, not restrictively but supportively. As I saw his eyes flinch, I counted. It was over.

Writing everything out seems cumbersome, but in this manner Eric could anticipate, tolerate and succeed. There was a clearly defined beginning and end. His trust in us was intact. He has added the word 'needle' to his language base. His understanding was valued. His fears were overcome through knowledge. Isn't this what communication is all about?

Oh yes, Eric got to hand out popsicles to his classmates.