I highly recommend trying an electric toothbrush. Since my son only allows us to brush for approx. 1 minute max. it’s imperative to get the most thorough clean possible. I’ve tried the various brands of electric toothbrushes for children & I’ve found the Colgate brand has the smallest brush head & it also doesn’t spin too fast which likely causes more aversion to using it. Since many of our ASD kids struggle with the sensory aversion issue naturally we want to help the process go as quickly as possible while still getting the best possible clean & an electric toothbrush is the best option I’ve found for my son. Also, the smaller the toothbrush used definitely helps minimize the sensory aversion issue for my son. This applies not only to the brush head, but also the weight, length & width. Toothbrush manufacturers really need to come up with a better designed electric toothbrush.

I think the key to getting our kids to brush more thoroughly is to make it fun. I use Mickey Mouse, my son’s favorite character & tell him that Mickey says to count to ten for each section of his mouth. He typically only allows me to get to 5, sometimes 7, but it’s been a good motivational technique overall. I agree with Miriam about the front teeth being the hardest area to brush. My son won’t smile to allow me to get his top front & bottom front teeth done.

Have https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q78JB6N?ref=emc_p_...

That's really cool! I'll have to look into that, thanks 😊

Hello Holly! My son is 18 and he is still learning how to brush his. What is currently helping him is to divide the process into steps. My husband and I count from 1 to 3 while my son is brushing one side so he can move to the next. Cleaning his front teeth has been the hardest, he does better with his lower molars. My son has helped me realize how much we take for granted, things become so routinary and we don’t appreciate their full value. I’ve been advised a couple of times to try an electric toothbrush, we haven’t done it as of yet. Maybe one day we might give it a try. I hope this helps.

May you and your family have a blessed night!

My son is 17 & I still have to remind him to brush his teeth. With Autism sometimes they simply don't even think about it like we do. I asked my son why he's not brushing his teeth regularly & he said that he forgets to do it or it doesn't even cross his mind to. Autistic people don't think the way we do so they're not always going to do things. I have to tell my son it's time to brush his teeth. He needs to be prompted or reminded to do it because he won't even think about it at all. The best advice I can give you to do is schedule to brush teeth at the same time every day morning, noon & night or morning & night. I would recommend you brush your teeth when he brushes his. It not only encourages him to do it, but he can watch & learn from you how to brush properly. I have learned that my son (Autistic) prefers to work with me in a team dynamic. He doesn't like to do tasks alone. I hope this helps you. Make it a team task.