“Does anyone know a insert profession here who connects well with children with special needs?” – a common plea from parents of special needs kids on local social media groups.
Last year marked the first time my son made it through a dentist appointment with relative ease. Initially, he flapped his arms, screamed, and emitted that distinct anxiety-fueled sweat—like a sea slug warding off predators. However, Dr. Scott (not his real name) managed to engage him in a truly remarkable way. My son received his first dental X-rays, underwent a thorough examination complete with the scrapers, spinny tools, and spit suction, and even left the office with a smile.
There’s something undeniably charming about Dr. Scott. powders nose, reapplies lipstick
This principle applies to all children on the autism spectrum. Once you understand how to navigate their anxiety, interactions typically improve. Conversely, mishandling the situation can lead to significant distress that may take considerable effort to overcome.
Interestingly, Dr. Scott’s approach left a bigger impression on me than it did on my son, as he didn’t recall the methods from our last visit. During our recent appointment, my son was visibly anxious, attempting to maintain composure while Dr. Scott adopted a more gentle strategy. As part of my red-carpet performance, I loudly announced my intention to use the restroom (appointments tend to progress better when I’m out of sight). Without skipping a beat, Dr. Scott reassured my son, saying, “Sounds good. I’ll check his teeth, but you’ll be right back. Everything is fine.”
I stood just outside the exam room door, hearing him firmly comfort my child. When I peeked in, I found my son in the corner, clutching his toothbrush and toothpaste from home, while the dentist gently dabbed his face with gauze. After the appointment, Dr. Scott remarked, “Could you come back in three months? I think we learned that it’s best for you to wait outside. Next time, I’ll take a firmer approach, as it seems to work better for him.”
I expressed my gratitude for his insight and patience. He replied, “Every child responds differently, sometimes even from one visit to the next.”
Bam.
Every child is unique. Yes, Dr. Scott! You have captured the essence of working with autistic patients. Each one is an individual with distinct needs, and it’s crucial to recognize this during every appointment. Meeting them where they are is essential.
And while we’re acknowledging good practices, let’s also give a nod to other medical professionals who understand this:
- To the orthotist who met us in our van for years to cast my son’s feet for braces.
- To the physical medicine doctor who began using sign language to communicate when she realized my son might not comprehend her spoken words.
- To the hospital nurse who spoke directly to my son, asking for his name, age, and school instead of addressing me in front of him.
Medical anxiety is a significant concern for many individuals on the autism spectrum. The overwhelming sensory input, difficulty in communication, and fear of the unknown can create a challenging atmosphere for both patients and caregivers. During a recent specialist appointment, my son was tearful and scared. We were presented with two options: I could hold my 12-year-old down myself, or the doctor and two staff members could restrain him on the floor.
I couldn’t help but imagine how it would feel if three large individuals suddenly held me down while I was unsure of their intentions. If I wasn’t already anxious about upcoming appointments, I certainly would be after that experience!
It may surprise some that medical offices are often unprepared to accommodate their growing number of autistic patients. Physicians typically have limited time with each patient and often lack specific training in disability. As parents, we take on the responsibility of ensuring that every detail is accounted for to make each office visit as smooth as possible.
Doctors, take a cue from Dr. Scott. His approach is pivotal for achieving success with every patient. Remember that they are human, identify their needs on any given day, and act accordingly. We parents will handle the rest.
For more insights on parenting and medical approaches, check out this informative piece on home insemination kits or visit Women’s Health for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. You can also find additional guidance on this topic at Modern Family Blog.
Summary:
Navigating dental visits with children on the autism spectrum requires understanding and adaptability from medical professionals. Each child has unique needs that can change from visit to visit. By employing gentle and individualized approaches, doctors can help reduce anxiety and create more positive experiences for autistic patients.