A journey, not just a visit.

We take a gradual, three-phase approach that puts trust, comfort, and your child's pace at the center of everything we do.

Our Philosophy

We don't start with a needle.

At Nexus Center, a blood draw is the last step—not the first. Before anything clinical happens, we take the time to learn who your child or loved one is, what helps them feel safe, and how we can work together to make this experience a positive one.

Every individual gets a personalized Steps Card—a visual and behavioral roadmap created together with families. It outlines specific steps, tools, comfort strategies, and cues that help the client feel in control. It might include visual countdowns, a favorite playlist, a comfort item, choice boards, or calming techniques. Whatever works.

The Three Phases

Building trust, step by step.

1

Meet & Greet

Getting to know each other.

Before any blood draw is performed, every client is welcomed for a relaxed, up-to-60-minute intake session. There are no procedures, no pressure—just an opportunity for our team to meet your family in a calm, non-clinical way.

We learn about your loved one's communication style, sensory preferences, what makes them feel comfortable, and what to avoid. Caregivers share the strategies that work best at home. Together, we build a personalized Steps Card that will guide every future visit.

This first meeting lays the foundation for a trusting, collaborative relationship.

2

Exposure Visits

Building comfort at their pace.

Exposure visits are designed to create a positive, low-pressure association with the Nexus Center environment. During each visit, clients explore the space on their own terms—touching, seeing, and engaging with the environment without the expectation of a medical procedure.

Together, we practice each step of the personalized Steps Card. Clients can revisit their card, ask questions, and revise it as needed—giving them a clear sense of control and understanding of what to expect.

Some clients may benefit from one-on-one time in a private room. Others may thrive in our shared social space, where they can observe peers in a supportive, relaxed setting. These visits may take place over days, weeks, or months—whatever the individual needs to feel ready.

3

Blood Draw

Where preparation meets care.

By this point, the client has had the opportunity to explore the environment, become familiar with our team, and practice their personalized routine. The blood draw isn't a surprise—it's the final step in a carefully built journey of trust.

We follow the Steps Card at the client's pace, checking in frequently and making space for flexibility, encouragement, and choice. The goal isn't just to complete the blood draw—it's to do so in a way that feels empowering and minimally stressful.

By approaching blood draws this way, we're not just improving a single visit. We're building long-term trust in healthcare for individuals with IDD.

About the Personalized Steps Card

The Steps Card is the heart of our approach. Created during intake and refined over time, it's a custom roadmap unique to each client. It may include visual cues, comfort items, countdowns, choice boards, calming techniques, or a favorite playlist—whatever helps that individual succeed. Families are partners in creating and updating it at every stage.

Ready to learn more?

We'd love to tell you more about how Nexus Center can support your family.

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