AUTISM HEALTH
child to brush his/her teeth. They should be
used by children who have oral hyposensitiv-
ity for awakening the oral sensory receptors.
These toothbrushes help control drooling and
provide massage and sweeping within the oral
cavity.
8. Sand timers are a good visual tool
Sand timers and other timers are an excellent
visual tool for teaching children how long to
brush their teeth. They can encourage the child
to brush regularly and develop dental hygiene
habits early.
9. Use a mirror to check on progress
finger squeezers, giant nut and bolt, and Blue
Tack can be used by teens or adolescents for
challenging in-hand manipulation skills and
fine motor control, whereas fleece bags, chewy
bangle bracelets, and Play-Doh can be provid-
ed to young ones for play and engagement
purpose.
5. Try visual reminders
Pictorial presentation is always helpful for
an individual to understand the sequence of
events and know what will come next. Visual
reminders reduce stress, anxiety, and ambi-
guity. It helps a child stay organized and well
informed. Visual schedules may be used to de-
pict the steps involved in brushing one’s teeth
and what steps are involved in completing a
dental procedure.
6. Keep up with oral hygiene
Children should brush their teeth for two min-
utes, twice a day. It is essential to supervise chil-
dren until they are seven or eight years old. It
is important to choose toothpaste and mouth-
washes with the amount of fluoride, which
helps prevent tooth decay. The toothbrush
should have a small head to ensure brushing
around the back of the mouth easily.
7. Try an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are much easier to ma-
nipulate around the teeth and encourage the
44 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 65
A mirror can help children and parents exam-
ine the teeth to ensure they have been cleaned
well.
References:
National Autistic Society, UK
Autism Speaks Family Services Community
Connections
Sensory Integration Network, UK
Oral Healthcare for the Dyspraxic Child (Anna
Vaguhan)
Aditi Srivastava (MOT, PGC in Sensory Integration)
is a London-based pediatric occupational therapist
who has been working with children with special
needs for five years. She has a master’s degree in
pediatric occupational therapy and certification
in sensory integration from Sensory Integration
Network, United Kingdom. She has authored an in-
formation booklet on Dyspraxia for educating par-
ents and promulgate Dyspraxia awareness at her
workplace. Besides being a dynamic occupational
therapist, she is also an author of the blog RISING
HORIZONS, where diverse children-related subjects
are discussed. She writes on significant sensory is-
sues, sensory integration strategies, parenting tips,
classroom suggestions, and anger management
problems.
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