Dental visits can be overwhelming for neurodivergent children, especially those with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or difficulties with routine changes. A neuroaffirmative approach, one that respects and accommodates individual sensory and cognitive needs can help create a more positive experience.
Creating Predictability through Preparation
Predictability reduces anxiety for many neurodivergent individuals (Gray, 2015). Talking about the visit in advance using social stories, visual schedules, or role-playing can provide a sense of control. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that gradual exposure to the dental environment, such as watching videos or visiting the office before an appointment, can enhance comfort and cooperation (AAPD, 2023).
Honoring Sensory Needs
The sensory environment of a dental clinic such as bright lights, loud equipment, and unfamiliar textures can be overwhelming. Research shows that many autistic children experience sensory hypersensitivity, making these stimuli difficult to process (Baranek et al., 2006). A sensory friendly dentist may offer dim lighting, noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or a quiet waiting area to help with regulation (Sharma et al., 2021). Allowing the child to use sunglasses, listen to music, or hold a fidget toy can also provide comfort.
Supporting Autonomy and Self-Advocacy
Empowering children with choices fosters a sense of control, which is crucial for reducing anxiety (Kupzyk & Allen, 2019). Offering options such as selecting toothpaste flavors, choosing a favorite toy to bring, or using a hand signal for breaks encourages self-advocacy (AAPD, 2023). Research suggests that when children feel heard and supported, they are more likely to cooperate and feel safe during medical procedures (Mayer-Brown et al., 2020).
Incorporating Comfort and Regulation Strategies
Bringing comfort items, such as a weighted lap pad or favorite stuffed toy, can provide a sense of security. Deep-pressure input, movement breaks, or breathing exercises before and after the visit may also help with emotional regulation (Bogdashina, 2016). Instead of forcing compliance, allowing the children to regulate in their own way fosters a more positive and neuroaffirmative experience.
Using Strength-Based Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement should be child-centered and focus on effort rather than compliance. Instead of pressuring a child to "sit still," praise their self-regulation efforts with affirming language like, “I love how you took deep breaths when you were feeling unsure” (Dawson & Guare, 2018). Rewards should be meaningful to the child, whether that is extra playtime, a preferred activity, or verbal encouragement.
By embracing a neurodiversity-affirming approach, dental visits can shift from being stressful to empowering. Creating a predictable, sensory-friendly, and autonomy-supportive environment helps ensure that neurodivergent children feel respected, safe, and in control of their experience.
References:
∙ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). (2023). Tips for Preparing Children for Dental Visits. Retrieved from AAPD official guidelines.
∙ Baranek, G. T., David, F. J., Poe, M. D., Stone, W. L., & Watson, L. R. (2006). Sensory experiences questionnaire: Discriminating sensory features in young children with autism, developmental delays, and typical development. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(6), 591-601.
∙ Gray, C. (2015). The New Social Story Book. Future Horizons.