How to Prepare Children with Autism to Visit a Dentist?
Journal Title: Modern Approaches in Dentistry and Oral Health Care - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
One of the most common problems that parents with children with autism have is to take them to a doctor’s or dentist’s office. Even if the office environment is friendly and the dentist or doctor or their assistants are kind to the child, children who have autism do not like others to come close to them, touch them, and when they are alone, someone is in contact with their bodies. When children’s physical environment is invaded, they react to this behavior and do not cooperate with the other person, and sometimes they even become aggressive. It should be said that in many cases, these children are torn apart. There are many problems when a child visits a dentist’s office. For example, special smells, a tray of dental instruments, and devices and tools may pose a threat to the peaceful world of these children. For a child with autism spectrum disorder, a dental office is full of insecurity and, consequently, is an unpleasant place [1,2]. Here are some simple solutions that parents can do to help their children with autism when they plan to go to the dentist’s office. Make a medical bag ready for your child; it is best to let him choose this bag by himself. Meanwhile, give him times to get acquainted with the tools inside the bag so that to find out what they are. After spending some time, show him what these tools are used for, and first try them on your own, siblings or someone else. The next step is to run the show with your child, pretending to be a doctor and treat him with these tools. Now ask your child to change his place with you, and let him try this tool on you, his sister or brother or someone else. You can also use a puppet or a stuffed doll or even your own pet to display these tools. Explain to your child what each device is used for, and let him access the toys toolbox and play with them freely. When friends, neighbors, and relatives come to your home, let them play with this gadget with your child, and then tell them to change their role with your child. Remember, if your child can find a playmate to practice with these tools, he will be great of help. If possible, give him a medical phone or more realistic tools to practice with them; however, in this case, you need to make sure your child is monitored and is safe. Give him a prize after each real meeting or show-up meeting with a dentist, or returning from the medical laboratory. Finally, play with your doctor’s true name when your child feels comfortable in the “Physician and Patient” game. In addition, along with this medicine toolbox, you can read books about meeting with the dentist too [3].
Authors and Affiliations
Karimi M
Keywords
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- EP ID EP620075
- DOI 10.32474/MADOHC.2018.03.000156
- Views 54
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