Strategies to Help Children with Autism Overcome Challenges at the Dentist

Many people feel anxiety when they go to the dentist. For a child with autism, the sensory elements of the dentist might overwhelm them and make them resist visits. However, through home practice, familiarization appointments, and support, most children with autism or other communication disorders can overcome their anxieties about dental care and enjoy positive appointments for years to come. I’ve been practicing family dentistry for 17 years. I always try to make patients as comfortable as possible during visits. I share this list of tips for a successful and positive dental experience with professionals who treat children with autism, as well as the patients’ family. Practice before the visit. Role-playing a dental visit in advance gives the child a sense of what to expect. It also gives parents an idea of potential challenges the child might experience. Make the activity fun for the child by turning a dental visit into a game of pretend. The speech-language pathologist or other professional acts as the dentist, while the child gets to be the patient, of course. They can lie back in a reclining chair or on a couch and open their mouth wide. This gives them a sense of what a trip to the dentist will feel like. You can also use this time to talk about the importance of regular dental visits and good oral hygiene. Schedule a familiarization appointment. One great way to help a child with autism work through anxieties is by scheduling a familiarization appointment with the...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Health Care Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology Autism Spectrum Disorder Language Disorders Source Type: blogs