Managing your child with Autism

Sensory Challenges

There are many potential sensory challenges at the dentist.  Sounds, lights, tastes, smells and textures. Sharing your child’s sensitivities and coping strategies with staff will allow us to adapt to their preferences as much as possible.  We have a sensory box with items that your child may find useful to hold and self soothe or you can bring along their favourite toy.  We also have available weighted blankets; many people find the deep pressure to be very calming.

If urgent or invasive treatment is required, it may be necessary for treatment to be carried out under a general anaesthesia. Once again, the iKids team are here to help make the process as smooth as possible. 

To help us understand your child’s individual needs, it would assist us if you could complete the following form prior to your visit.

Helpful hints

• Your child may benefit from a visit to our rooms to familiarise themselves with the dental environment/staff prior to their appointment. If you feel this could be of benefit, please contact our reception staff for an ideal time to visit.
• Short happy appointments to slowly desensitise your son/daughter to the dental experience are more likely to keep the dental visit positive.
• We are a busy practice, to ensure that your child is seen at their appointed time, we recommend you schedule the first appointment of the day or first appointment after lunch.
• We have available a lounge separate to the waiting area. If a quieter, more relaxed place to wait would be of benefit, please advise our reception staff to direct you to the lounge.
• Modelling can be effective for some children, watching their sibling have their appointment first can be helpful.
• We have available dental storybooks to help prepare your child prior to their visit.
• If your child is taste sensitive, bring along the toothpaste they use at home.
• Some children with ASD find the dental noises distressing, we suggest bringing their iPod/ ear phones to listen to music.