At the School for Autism at Newfield we are working hard on helping our learners develop their tolerance, understanding and coping skills around trips to see the dentist!
Going to the dentist can be very stressful! It’s out of routine, it can be unpredictable and it affects all the senses. A lot of children with autism can be very upset and resistant to the experience!
We start working on developing our skills early and practice brushing teeth every day. We also develop social stories for our learners, use role play sessions and employ a range of de-sensitisation strategies to help make the experience a little less stressful.
Here are some sources of information and support:
Dentist social stories https://www.dentalhealth.ie/specialneeds/social-story-for-children.html https://www.bspd.co.uk/resources
British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) https://www.bspd.co.uk/resources
BSPD produces position statements on key issues affecting the oral health of children and paediatric speciality. We also compile guidelines, policies and responses to consultations which can all be found here, along with some useful links. https://www.bspd.co.uk