Welcoming autistic patients

by Dr. Louis Siegelman, DDS, Dentalphobia.com

• Place a warm, cozy blanket over the patient.
• Have the patient wear headphones with their favorite music.
• Have them wear darkened glasses like sunglasses during their treatment.
• Create a peaceful environment in which the doctor and team maintain a calm, soothing tone and volume when speaking to the patient and to one another.
• Use a quiet electric handpiece when conducting dental treatment.
• Distraction. Some patients find dental visits more tolerable when they can watch their favorite show or hold an object in their hands. Fidget toys can be helpful as long as the patient can sit still while moving their hands.
• Positive verbal reinforcement reminds patients that they are doing well and are in a safe, friendly environment.

Dr. Siegelman is a board-certified dentist and dentist anesthesiologist who has provided care to many patients on the autism spectrum in his New York City office. His website: www.dentalphobia.com