I had a great experience with my younger brother, who is Autistic, with my dentist. We asked even before the first appointment if the doctor was ok/ knowledgeable, explained what kind of sensitivities/ anxieties my brothee had and it went great: used gas instead of needles, talked through what he was doing before doing it, made the TV play familiar things, checked in when my brother seemed anxious, booked an appointment time a little longer than average so they could take breaks if needed (they were needed lol)... all around small things, but they did make a difference and my brother walked away more than happy to return to this dentist if the need arises.
I only went through the formal diagnosis process in the last month, but last year I went to the dentist for the first time in five years. I had to go a lot when I was younger so I know I can do it, but it can be really overwhelming so I brought my fidgets with me. It was a teaching school so the dental students were very nice about it and mentioned that they might look at bringing in some fidgets to use especially with kids who are struggling. The experience and sensations was very overwhelming, even though they were very nice, but I think it’s partially because they were students as I went back six months later and the professional dentist’s work was much less painful. I also liked that they explained what they were doing and why, and let me weigh in on what I wanted to do when they found what could be an early cavity (I’ve had a lot of dental work, 11 fillings, and I knew this cavity was there five years ago and hadn’t changed in that time so I didn’t want it filled). Surprisingly enough, the dentist actually said to keep doing what I’m doing as my teeth look good, at a time in my life when brushing my teeth is too much most days.
I had to have a back tooth taken out a couple of years ago, but i had to see another dentist at another location for the procedure. And he said to me you grind your teeth do you wear a mold at night, i said iv'e tried numerous times but i just cant do it, he replied well i can do it why cant you? I said thats a stupid thing to say !! Why cant you sing like pavarotti? I said you are you and i am me . He knew i was autistic and still acted like that. Probably not the best idea to argue with someone who is going to work on your teeth😂 but he was obnoxious. It got infected afterwards so not a good experience🙋♂️
I had a great experience with my younger brother, who is Autistic, with my dentist. We asked even before the first appointment if the doctor was ok/ knowledgeable, explained what kind of sensitivities/ anxieties my brothee had and it went great: used gas instead of needles, talked through what he was doing before doing it, made the TV play familiar things, checked in when my brother seemed anxious, booked an appointment time a little longer than average so they could take breaks if needed (they were needed lol)... all around small things, but they did make a difference and my brother walked away more than happy to return to this dentist if the need arises.
What an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing 🧡
I only went through the formal diagnosis process in the last month, but last year I went to the dentist for the first time in five years. I had to go a lot when I was younger so I know I can do it, but it can be really overwhelming so I brought my fidgets with me. It was a teaching school so the dental students were very nice about it and mentioned that they might look at bringing in some fidgets to use especially with kids who are struggling. The experience and sensations was very overwhelming, even though they were very nice, but I think it’s partially because they were students as I went back six months later and the professional dentist’s work was much less painful. I also liked that they explained what they were doing and why, and let me weigh in on what I wanted to do when they found what could be an early cavity (I’ve had a lot of dental work, 11 fillings, and I knew this cavity was there five years ago and hadn’t changed in that time so I didn’t want it filled). Surprisingly enough, the dentist actually said to keep doing what I’m doing as my teeth look good, at a time in my life when brushing my teeth is too much most days.
Thank you for sharing and congrats on your diagnosis. It's so nice to hear about good experiences in dental care as it can be just so overwhelming 🧡
I had to have a back tooth taken out a couple of years ago, but i had to see another dentist at another location for the procedure. And he said to me you grind your teeth do you wear a mold at night, i said iv'e tried numerous times but i just cant do it, he replied well i can do it why cant you? I said thats a stupid thing to say !! Why cant you sing like pavarotti? I said you are you and i am me . He knew i was autistic and still acted like that. Probably not the best idea to argue with someone who is going to work on your teeth😂 but he was obnoxious. It got infected afterwards so not a good experience🙋♂️
Oh crikey, what a nightmare! I had one of those stupid molds for teeth grinding too - it lasted about an hour 😆