Dentists for Children with Autism
All children deserve the same quality oral health care
Our SmileTown kids’ dentists understand that every child has their own set of specific needs, which is why we have created our Autism program. Children on the spectrum not only need the extra attention and time at their dental appointments, but they deserve it as well!
During your child’s first visit with us, they are given a bag which includes items that we use here. These items include a toothbrush, plastic mouth mirror, floss picks, and a colour copy of our PECS board so that the parents and child are able to familiarize themselves with this routine in the comfort of their own home. The following is what to expect at each appointment:
Patients are brought in on either a 6 week, 8 week or 3 month schedule;- We allot a time that the child has 5-10 minutes to play and become comfortable before we come and greet them;
- One of our doctors and assistants will meet the child (and parents) in the play area to greet them and ask if they remember us. (children on the spectrum usually remember us before we have the chance to say hello);
- Child (and parents if they wish) come back to the recall area and we make small talk (to their level of understanding) until they are calm;
- One of our doctors and assistants will use a PECS board to help the child through the appointment. The board allows the child to visually see how many steps they have completed and how many remain;
- 12 steps are included on the board and consist of: waiting area, sitting in the chair, chair down, light on, bib on, saying ahh, counting teeth, brushing teeth, fluoride, all done, present, and go home;
- Half of these commands are quickly done by the child by the time they are in the chair. At the end of the appointment they get to pick a present and go home;
- We try to complete each step at every appointment. Depending on the cooperation of the child, not all steps are competed and “that is OK” (as we share with the parent). What we like to see is that each time they come in that each step is easier for the child, and that if all steps were not covered at the last appointment, that we complete an additional step to further their progress;
We have had numerous patients using this program that have been very successful. Parents have the choice of being in the room with us, the next room over to “view” what is going on, or to wait in the front common area as only you know what is best for your child. Please reach out to us to discuss this program and how it can benefit your child’s experience at SmileTown.
Check Up Narrative for ASD Patients
Sedation Narrative for ASD Patients
Additional Resources
Our partner, Autism Speaks Canada has launched a specialized free platform for access to reliable information and resources called My Autism Guide.
Autism Speaks Canada is on a mission to provide equitable access to curated information, resources and service navigation supporting autistic Canadians and their families to reach their full potential through informed and decision making. With so much information available finding what you need when you need it can be overwhelming. Introducing My Autism Guide- a free tool designed for autistic Canadians, caregivers, service providers and members of the autism community. My Autism Guide facilitates faster, easier access to information, resources and supports across Canada.
With My Autism Guide, you can:
– Find Resources specific to individual age, location and interests
– Locate virtual and in-person events in your community
– Access listings of service providers in your area
– Enhance your ability to make informed decisions and plan for the future
– Connect with your community through topic specific forums
Click the button below to register!
