Taking any child to the dentist can be a challenge, but taking a child with autism can be a major undertaking. When Justin was small, he had to have breathing treatments several times a day which lead to tooth decay. It took a few dentist to get one that would work with us, he ended up having to have dental surgery. Now he sees our regular family dentist every six months for cleanings and he is fine but those younger years were hard here are a few suggestions. 1. Prepare your child in advance by talking about what will happen during the visit and showing them pictures or videos of the dentist’s office.2. Consider scheduling the appointment at a time when your child is most calm and relaxed, such as in the morning or after a nap.3. Bring comfort items from home, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to help your child feel more at ease.4. Work with the dentist to develop a plan for accommodations, such as using noise-cancelling headphones or taking breaks during the appointment.5. Praise and reward your child for their bravery and cooperation during the visit.As for resources, there are many organizations and websites that provide support and information for families of children with autism. Some examples include Autism Speaks, the Autism Society, and the National Autism Association. Additionally, many local communities have support groups and resources specifically for families of children with autism.
Autism & The Dentist
