The Autism Program of Illinois Tip Sheet: Dental Exam Tips

1. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Tips & Resources
Tip Sheet 3
Dental Exam Tips
• Seek out dental professionals who are experienced in working with children with autism or other
developmental disabilities.
• Talk with the dental hygienist prior to the appointment and make sure that they understand your
child’s specific sensory and behavioral issues.
• Take your child to the dental office a few days before his/her scheduled appointment. This will help
make the environment less threatening to your child.
• Allow your child to watch a sibling going through a dental exam (only if the sibling tolerates the exam
and will be a positive role model).
• Take a “comfort item” with you to the scheduled appointment. This should be something that helps
your child feel more secure. It may be a favorite stuffed animal, a picture of your pet or an object that
has special meaning for him/her. You should probably keep this item concealed and only use it if your
child becomes upset.
• Be aware that your child may react to the exam light, sound of suction or other forms of sensory
stimulation that occur in a dental office.
• If your child has sensory sensitivities, you might ask the hygienist to turn off music, bright overhead
lighting, etc.
• If you own a visual timer, you can use it to help your child understand they will be spending a certain
period of time in the exam chair. Ask the hygienist how long the appointment will last and set the
timer accordingly.
• Ask your hygienist to use the tell-show-do method.*
1. Tell- give an instruction
2. Show- model the correct response
3. Do- ask the child to perform the behavior
• If your child has language comprehension difficulties, ask dental professionals to use the 5 second rule.
Using this method, they would give a verbal instruction to the child and count to 5 (to themselves) to
allow additional processing time.
• Use clear and concise language when giving your child instructions.
*Tip provided by the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders – TAP University Partner at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Rev.0612
Prepared by: Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders –
TAP University Partner at Southern Illinois University Carbondale www.theautismprogram.org