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Dental treatment for autistic children

Darryl

Hi.

Are there any places (dentist) who specialise in autism. 

My son is three and non verbal and needs dental treatment. 

My regular dentist was useless and seemed to have no patience when she couldn't get him to sit still.

Asked her for advice on where I could take him and was told to try the internet (moron).

Cant believe how little information is out there for this situation.

Would appreciate any suggestions or advice,  surely others have the same problem. 

Thank you 

  • Dear Darryl,

    You might find our guide for parents on going to the dentist useful:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/going-to-the-dentist/parents

    There are links to further resources and organisations that might be useful.

    I hope that helps.

    Regards,

    Kerri-Mod

  • I don't know if this applies - but we took our baby daughter along to the dentist whenever we went for check-ups or anything just so she was totally used to the environment, noises and smells and the procedures and people - from when she was way too young to understand so it became 'just another place'.

    As she got older, when we got out of the chair, the dentist would let her jump in for a ride up and down and a quick look at all her growing teeth.     

    We followed it up with lunch out or something so the whole experience was fun and nothing to be frightened of - we were smiling and chatting the whole way through so why would she be concerned?

    When it came time for her real check-ups, she was eager to hop up in the moving chair for a ride and to tell the dentist all about her latest adventures (we through her into a lot of things when she was young to expand her world to avoid these kind of stress issues).

    We did the same procedure at hairdressers, dog parks, feeding large numbers of birds in the park - and doctors - just so that her 'normal' interactions were always very positive to make any kind of negative 'doing' appointment into a low-stress situation..

  • Hey,

    I am not sure where you are based in the UK, but there is an orthodontist in Leamington Spa, they are familiar with patients who are autistic. I went there to get my braces fitted etc, they are very understanding and take the time to explain everything. If this is not an option, unfortunately, as bad as unprofessional as it was for your dentist to suggest the internet, this is probably one of the best ideas as you can read up on reviews etc, Hope this helps. :)

  • you could try the holistic route... there may be dentists who specialize in non-traditional dentistry techniques... they simply may be more patient... you could try dental schools --- i do that. every two years or so i get a new student, so you always get a fresh pair of eyes. they also would not be as rushed: to me, time is LOTS of money to a dentist. seeing someone who isn't rushing about might make the whole experience go smoother. it's worked for me.

    if there are kid autism groups, or other kid groups in your town...can check with them.

    i don't even have kids.........why am i suggesting this stuff?