How Do Kids With Autism Go To The Dentist?
Introduction
Taking a child with autism to the dentist can be a stressful experience for both the child and the parent. But with proper preparation, the right strategies, and a little patience, dental visits can be made much more manageable and even successful! In this article, we’ll cover practical solutions and tips that will help you ensure a smooth dental visit for your child. The goal is not only to address the common challenges but also to equip you with the tools to make the appointment as comfortable as possible.
Understanding the Challenges
Children with autism often have sensory sensitivities and communication challenges that can make dental visits overwhelming. The high-pitched whine of the dental drill, the rubbery texture of gloves, and the unfamiliar environment can be difficult for a child with autism to tolerate. Additionally, children with ASD may struggle to communicate pain or discomfort, making it harder for dentists to provide the necessary care. However, overcoming these challenges is essential for promoting overall health and preventing long-term dental issues.
Find an Autism-Friendly Dentist
Finding the right dentist is the first step in setting your child up for success. Look for dental professionals who have experience working with children with autism and who are willing to make accommodations for sensory needs. Consider asking the following questions when searching for the best dentist:
- Do you have experience with sensory accommodations?
- What communication strategies do you use for children with autism?
- Are you familiar with visual or social supports that help children feel more comfortable?
There are several online resources where you can find autism-friendly dentists, such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Autism Speaks. These organizations provide directories of professionals who specialize in treating children with special needs.
Pre-Visit Familiarization
One way to help your child feel more comfortable with the dentist is by familiarizing them with the environment before the visit. Schedule a pre-appointment tour of the office where your child can see the waiting room, dental tools, and meet the staff. Creating a social story that includes pictures of the dentist’s office and staff can help your child understand what to expect.
Additionally, bring a list of your child’s specific triggers and successful calming techniques to share with the dental staff. This will help them understand what works best for your child and make necessary adjustments.
Use Social Stories and Visual Supports
Social stories are a helpful tool for children with autism as they break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For a dentist visit, tailor the story to the specific dental office and the procedures your child will undergo. For example, a story might say, “First, we will sit in the big chair. Then, the dentist will count your teeth.” Using pictures or visuals alongside the story can make it even clearer for your child.
Role-Playing at Home
Before the visit, engage in role-playing at home to help your child practice sitting in a dental chair and using dental tools. Incorporating the sounds of dental tools (easily found online) will help desensitize the child to these noises. Use positive reinforcement during the role-play, such as “Great job opening wide! Here’s a pretend sticker!” This builds anticipation and helps your child feel more in control.
Bring Comfort Items
Comfort items are key in helping children with autism feel more secure during dental visits. These items provide familiarity and can have a calming effect. For example, a favorite toy or blanket can provide proprioceptive input, which helps regulate the nervous system. A familiar scent from home may also reduce anxiety and create a sense of safety.
Timing the Appointment
Choosing the right time for the appointment is critical. Consider your child’s medication schedule or therapy times to avoid times when they might be tired or overstimulated. It’s also a good idea to schedule appointments during times when your child is least likely to be transitioning between activities.
Communicate with the Dental Team
Before the appointment, consider creating a one-page “Dental Visit Preferences” sheet that outlines your child’s specific needs and effective strategies. This sheet can be shared with the dental team to ensure everyone is on the same page. The dental team may be able to adjust the environment or procedures to make the experience more comfortable.
Tell-Show-Do Method
The “Tell-Show-Do” method is a helpful approach for children with autism. Start by explaining the procedure using simple, concrete language. For example, “I will count your teeth now.” Then, show your child the dental tools and let them touch them if appropriate. Finally, perform the procedure as described. Consistency and predictability in language are important throughout this process.
Sensory Modifications
Sensory modifications can be very effective in reducing anxiety. If your child is sensitive to certain sensations, try incorporating calming sensory inputs like a weighted lap pad, or an essential oil diffuser (if allowed by the dental office). Some children with autism may find the vibration of a toothbrush soothing, so you may want to ask if your dentist uses vibrating toothbrushes for cleaning.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is essential during dental visits. Offer immediate rewards for positive behaviors, such as sitting still or allowing the dentist to examine their teeth. Be specific with your praise, such as “You sat so still while the dentist looked at your teeth! Here’s a sticker!” You can also discuss potential rewards with your child before the appointment to build anticipation and motivation.
Movement Breaks
If your child needs a break during the appointment, it’s important to have a plan in place. Establish a non-verbal cue with your child to signal when they need a break. The parent or a familiar staff member can accompany the child during the break to provide comfort and reassurance.
Distraction Techniques
Distraction can be very effective in keeping a child with autism engaged and relaxed during a dental visit. Some options include allowing the child to choose a video to watch or offering a quiet fidget toy. Interactive apps that engage the child’s attention may also be helpful.
Consistent Staff
Consistency is key in building trust with your child. If possible, try to have the same dental staff work with your child for each visit. This helps the child feel more comfortable and familiar with the process. Before the visit, introduce your child to the staff by name, so they know who will be helping them.
Praise and Positive Feedback
Throughout the appointment, be sure to give praise and positive feedback. Focus on the effort rather than just the outcome. For example, “I saw how hard you tried to stay still, and I really appreciate that.” This encourages your child to keep up the positive behaviors and reinforces the idea that they are doing well.
Reward System
Implementing a reward system can be a great way to motivate your child. Offer a choice of rewards to give the child a sense of control. For example, they can choose between a sticker, extra screen time, or a favorite snack. Visual reward charts are especially effective for younger children.
Review and Prepare for Future Visits
After the appointment, take the time to review the experience with your child. Ask them what they thought went well during the visit and what they felt was challenging. This can help you identify what worked and what could be improved for the next visit.
Establish a Routine for Home Care
Establishing a routine for home dental care is just as important. Using a visual timer and breaking down the brushing process into smaller, manageable steps can help your child feel more comfortable with the task. Make it a consistent part of their daily routine, so they know what to expect.
Sensory-Friendly Tools for Home Care
There are sensory-friendly tools available for home care as well. For example, using an electric toothbrush with soft vibrations can be soothing for some children with autism. You may also want to explore fragrance-free toothpaste if your child is sensitive to strong smells.
Gradual Introduction to Home Care
Introduce the toothbrush gradually. Start by having your child simply touch the toothbrush to their lips or the outside of their mouth, and increase the duration and area covered over time. Breaking the mouth into quadrants and focusing on one area at a time initially can also make the process less overwhelming.
Make it Fun
Brushing teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. Use apps that gamify the brushing process or consider buying character-themed toothbrushes to make the experience more enjoyable for your child. Playing their favorite song during brushing can also help keep them entertained.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Sometimes, despite all the preparation, challenges still arise. Common issues might include a refusal to open the mouth, difficulty staying still, or a strong gag reflex. If these issues occur, try taking a break and re-engaging with calming techniques or distractions. It’s important to remain patient and work with the dental team to find solutions.
Conclusion
Dental visits can be a challenge for children with autism, but with the right preparation and strategies, they can be more manageable and even enjoyable. By finding an autism-friendly dentist, using social stories, and practicing at home, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident at the dentist’s office. Remember to use positive reinforcement, provide comfort items, and communicate clearly with the dental team. Each visit is an opportunity to build trust and establish a routine that will benefit your child’s dental health in the long run.