This poster session displays findings from the first study to examine the appropriateness of clinical practice guidelines for managing needle pain and fear for autistic children. The purpose of this session is to communicate novel data related to improving needle procedures for autistic children. Specifically, viewers will learn about caregiver perspectives on making needle procedures more comfortable and clinical practice guidelines appropriate for autistic children and their caregivers. Transcripts from 20 comprehensive interviews with caregivers of autistic children were examined using reflexive thematic analysis. This analysis identified four themes: 1) autistic children’s sense of autonomy and agency is critical; 2) external factors impact autistic children’s comfort (e.g., environment, healthcare providers, familiarity); 3) caregivers play an important role by preparing themselves and others before needle procedures and 4) it is essential to tailor clinical practice guideline strategies to meet autistic children’s needs. Key takeaways from the findings are conveyed, notably that a child and family-centered approach seems to be crucial to making needle procedures comfortable for autistic children. Rich qualitative findings, including quotations from caregivers, will be presented and practical recommendations for healthcare providers and caregivers will be included. Autistic children are vulnerable to having trouble undergoing needle procedures, so improving healthcare provider understanding regarding the needs of this population could improve outcomes and experience for both patients and healthcare teams.