| When an autistic child is taken to the dentist's | | | | examination light. |
| office for an examination, hopefully, he will have | | | | * The child is easily frightened by noise or a drill in |
| been seen earlier at a 'get acquainted visit'. This | | | | a nearby operatory. |
| familiarity with the office will be helpful and | | | | * Most autistic children do not like having cold |
| smooth the way for the second trip. Again, a | | | | things in their mouth. |
| social story about the examination should be | | | | There are some things that the dentist can do to |
| developed by the parent and shared with the child | | | | make the examination a bit smoother. Such as: |
| before the appointment. | | | | * Give the child a simple explanation of what is |
| The dentist will obtain the child's medical history, | | | | going to be done. |
| including any current medications, since some | | | | * Avoid sudden moves and don't crowd the child. |
| drugs interact with certain types of dental | | | | * Approach him in a non-threatening manner. |
| sedation or anesthesia. Some important things to | | | | * Invite the child to sit in the dental chair. |
| remember are: | | | | * If the child refuses to sit in the chair, a parent |
| * The autistic child should already be familiar with | | | | can hold him on their lap. |
| the dental office. | | | | * Larger children who agree to sit in the dental |
| * An adequate amount of time must be allowed | | | | chair should have their parent hold their hand. |
| for the appointment. | | | | * Use a 'Show and Tell' approach to all |
| * The child should bring a favorite toy, blanket, or | | | | procedures. |
| book to the appointment. | | | | * Explain what you are going to do and show the |
| When performing the initial examination, it is | | | | child all the instruments that you will be using. |
| important to be aware that: | | | | * Talk calmly to the child in short, direct phrases |
| * The child may be reluctant or unable to | | | | and avoid double meanings. |
| cooperate due to his disability. | | | | * Tell the child when and where you will be |
| * It is often difficult to perform an assessment | | | | touching them. |
| because the child is resistive and won't open his | | | | * Once a child is seated, begin a cursory exam, |
| mouth. | | | | using only your fingers. |
| * Hyperactivity makes it difficult for him to sit in | | | | * Be sure that you do not direct any beams of |
| the dental chair. | | | | light into the child's eyes. |
| * The child has visual and auditory | | | | * Use a toothbrush or dental mirror to begin your |
| hypersensitivity. | | | | examination of the mouth. |
| * The child dislikes being touched and this may | | | | * Praise the child frequently for positive behavior |
| lead to a temper tantrum. | | | | and ignore bad behavior. |
| * He may resist opening his mouth or may bite. | | | | No matter how carefully you plan the autistic |
| * He has a poor attention span and is easily | | | | child's visit to the dentist, some children still are |
| distracted. | | | | unable to tolerate the dental exam and x-rays. |
| * The language disorder hinders communication. | | | | Dental sedation will be necessary in order to |
| * His behavior is impulsive. | | | | complete a dental examination and also, for the |
| * Agitation and anger can lead to combativeness | | | | child's own safety. General anesthesia may be |
| and aggression is common. | | | | required for most autistic children over 8 years of |
| * The child is frightened by the sight of the dental | | | | age. |
| instruments, especially the dental drill or | | | | |