Taking a child to the dentist can be a very stressful experience for both parents and children . For children with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) or other developmental disabilities who have difficulties with sensory stimuli , communication , and increased levels of anxiety , the stress is even greater . From the time spent in the waiting room combined with new sounds and smells , to close interaction with dentists and dental equipment , stress levels can reach an all-time high .
AUTISM HEALTH
Going to the Dentist Doesn ’ t Have to Be a Challenge with ASD
By Aditi SRIVASTAVA , MOT , PGC
Taking a child to the dentist can be a very stressful experience for both parents and children . For children with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) or other developmental disabilities who have difficulties with sensory stimuli , communication , and increased levels of anxiety , the stress is even greater . From the time spent in the waiting room combined with new sounds and smells , to close interaction with dentists and dental equipment , stress levels can reach an all-time high .
Anxiety may be caused by various elements such as the fear of unknown , sensory sensitivities , and communication difficulties . Children may display noncompliant , impulsive , and restless behaviors when they are unable to communicate their feelings of anxiety while meeting new people or going to public places due to sensitivity issues such as tactile defensiveness and auditory sensitiveness .
Here are the parents ’ top concerns when taking their children with ASD to the dentist :
• Will the dentist visit be successful or upsetting ?
• Will my child be affected by the different noises or odors ?
• Will my child be able to communicate , if needed ?
• Will my child experience high levels of anxiety ?
• Will I be able to find dental specialists near me trained to serve children with special needs ?
Here are some great ways to make your dental visit a success :
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Prepare your child for the dentist visit as early as possible
It will be best for the parent , the child , and the dentist to meet and develop a plan before the official visit . Inform the child about dental visits as early as possible , as waiting for the last minute can lead to extreme anxiety . Communicate and educate the child about the purpose of the visit to help reduce anxiety levels . Try using a visual support , such as a calendar , to explain date of the visit or days remaining until the check-up .
Talk to the dentist about your child ’ s special needs
Tell the dentist as much as you can about your child ’ s sensory sensitivities , including behavioral strategies that have been successful in the past . If this is your child ’ s first visit to the dentist , it is always better to ask for help from staff . De-
42 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 65