Prepare Your Autistic Child for the Dentist
Thursday November 16, 2006
Dental work is no joke with any child. For a child with autism, it can be overwhelming. But fear not: Tammy Davenport, the About.com Guide to Dentistry, has prepared an awesome photo gallery picturing every step along the way to a dental exam and cleaning! Print out the pictures, create your own flipbook -- and practice the whole routine in the living room. Then, bring the flipbook along to help guide your child through the the real deal.
One hint from our house: we found that the whirring sound of the dental cleaning tool really bothered both our kids. So my husband suggested they use headphones designed for folks doing roadwork (muffles the noise). They worked like a charm!
What's worked well for you? Share your ideas and advice!
Comments
We also used sunglasses for the bright lights that affected my 4 year old’s eyes.
I am so glad you wrote about this when you did. I have to take my 4 yr. old autistic son to the dentist next week for the first time and i’ve been really worried about how he’ll handle it. The photo gallery will be really helpful and the headphones and sunglasses are a good idea too. Thanks.
Our hygienist suggested that my son wear the lead apron that they use for x-rays for the entire time he spent in the chair. It was genius – worked like a charm!