@A MyAutismTeam Member I was very nervous to take my 3 yr old but knew I needed to. I took her to a pediatrics dentist ...when I called the dentist I questioned the receptionist if the dentist had ever worked with Autistic children and she said yes. They even had a day reserved just for the special needs kids. Her 1st visit went alot better than expected. The dentist talked with her very calmly and kept telling her what a good girl she was and how proud mommy was of her. I really liked the way he handled her. Now the 2nd visit there was more crying but think it was more due to her now understanding what is going to happen when she gets in the chair.

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A MyAutis...

And same apples for fingernails, I cut them while he is taking his bath and have been doing it this way for a couple years now.

My son is almost 10 years old and we still struggle with brushing teeth, trimming nails, getting haircuts and going to the dentist. He lets my sister trim his nails so that is good. We've learned to say "let's trim your nails" as opposed to saying the word "cut". To him, "cut" means an owie. His afterschool care provider trims his hair. I had to stop taking him to a hair salon just for kids because he would scream so much, it scared the other kids. Brushing teeth is a nightly battle - some days are better than others. I started taking him to a pediatric dentist when he was 2. They work with special needs children and have been absolutely fabulous over the years. He cries and struggles when we are at the dentist, but we work through it and get it done.

It's just so much sensory stimulation with all of the activities being discussed - no wonder our kids get overwhelmed sometimes.

Thanks everyone! I am reassured it is not just me. Actually any grooming really bothers him. he is better about his nails but brushing his teeth is a struggle. @ Frendship 1980 - I did the same thing with Levi! For a while, I was letting him do it but he was not brushing effectively and I had to take over. He will be 5 in July and hasn't been to the dentist. I have put it off because I am dreading it but it has to be done.

My daughter has autism and hates to have her finger or toenails cut....she kicks, screams, and struggles to the point that I just gave up. Wasn't worth the stress. To get her teeth brushed I have her sit in between my legs while we're on the bathroom floor and I pin her legs with mine so she can't get up....brush her teeth maybe for 45 seconds and then she wants up.