The dentist is a scary place for our kiddos. Between the lights, the equipment the noises etc, it is a sensory overload and causes A LOT of anxiety.

I would first find a dentist who has experience with asd children, even if you have to drive far, that's what I do and my son is 15 now. He has no issues going now, he even has braces, so I mean none, amazing compared to before.

The best thing to do before hand is social stories about the dentist and exactly what they will be doing.

Then ask the office if you can break the visit into 2 or more "visits". The first one would be to see the office, meet the staff, look and if possible touch things. Have them show them teeth, tools ect. Whatever it takes for him to feel safe, b/c the dentist to them is not safe, if that makes any sense.

When your son is ready, and this may take a few times before he will actually go,ask if he can be in a quiet room with dimmer lights etc. Bring something (stuffed animal??) that makes him calm. Make sure the hygienist who is going to taking care of him tells him exactly what they are going to do ( ok, I'm going to use this little tool and do this, even let him see it's not sharp or whatever), but not too far in advance b/c that will cause anxiety.

And another plus, ask if he can hold a mirror so he can see what they are doing, so it's not like "ok, they are going to jam something in my mouth and I can't see it or know what it is."

It's scary for them not to be able to control what is going on and that is why they go into the fight or flight mode. I hope this helps. :)

@A MyAutismTeam Member have you been brushing his teeth at home? If so, take the same toothbrush with you so that when he's in the chair you can get him to open his mouth.

As for getting him in the chair... Yes, make sure this is a dentist that has experience with autistic kids who do not cooperate. Some of them have a "papoose" thing on the chair that can gently restrain them. We've never used that option. Dental visits are a 4 adult job. I hold his legs. Dad holds his hands down and his shoulders. The dental assistant holds his head down and the dentist works in his mouth.

BUT, none of it is done in anger. Lots of praise and love during the whole thing. My son's first cleaning was done under anesthesia. Now he's put under once every 2 years for sealants, etc. Cleanings happen in office.

Let me know if you have any questions.

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A MyAutis...

My kids there are 8 of them 2 eye surgeries three tonsil surgeries two dental surgeries and a mri all with being put to sleep it can and is scary make sur the dentist has experience with autistic children