How to Make Your Dental Practice Autism-Friendly: Tips from a Pediatric Therapy Clinic

By Kendra Holloway, MS, CCC-SLP

As the owner of a pediatric therapy clinic, I’ve worked closely with families of children with autism and understand how challenging medical visits, especially dental appointments, can be for them. A visit to the dentist—filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations—can be overwhelming for autistic children. But with the right approach, you can make your practice a safe and welcoming space, reducing stress for both the child and their family. Here are some tips to help you create an autism-friendly environment in your dental office.

Prepare Before the Appointment

Many children with autism thrive on predictability and routine. Introducing a new experience, like a dental appointment, can be stressful if they don’t know what to expect. You can ease this anxiety by preparing families in advance:

• Provide social stories: A visual step-by-step guide that explains what will happen during the visit, from walking into the clinic to sitting in the dentist’s chair. You could add a story to your website or email the family a social story before their appointment.

• Offer a pre-visit tour: Invite families to bring their child for a quick tour of the office to familiarize them with the environment beforehand.

• Flexible scheduling: Allow the family to book a time that works best for their child, possibly during quieter office hours.

Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment:

Many children with autism experience sensory sensitivities, making the dental office—where bright lights, loud equipment, and strange textures abound—potentially overwhelming. Consider these adjustments to create a more comfortable atmosphere:

• Dim the lights or offer sunglasses to shield their eyes.

• Reduce noise by turning off unnecessary equipment or offering noise-canceling headphones.

• Provide sensory tools, like weighted blankets or fidget toys, which can help a child self-regulate during the appointment.

Use Clear Communication

Autistic children often benefit from direct, simple language. Avoid metaphors or overly complex instructions. Here’s how to make communication smoother:

• Explain each step before it happens: Let the child know exactly what you’re going to do and why, using concrete terms.

• Visual aids: Use pictures to help explain procedures or allow the child to watch a video of the dental cleaning process before their appointment.

• Use positive reinforcement: Praise small successes throughout the visit, such as sitting in the chair or opening their mouth. Positive affirmations or a reward at the end of the visit can help build trust.

Be Patient and Flexible

Autistic children may need more time to adjust to the situation or feel comfortable with specific procedures. Patience is key here. Let families know that it’s okay if the appointment takes a little longer and that their child’s comfort comes first.

• Allow breaks: If the child becomes overwhelmed, offer them a break before continuing the procedure.

• Follow the child’s lead: If they show distress, it may be helpful to pause, check in with them, and continue when they are ready.

• Adapt as needed: Some children might not be ready for a full cleaning on the first visit, and that’s okay. Focus on building trust and slowly increasing their comfort level.

Involve the Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers know their child’s needs better than anyone. Partner with them to create the best experience for the child:

• Ask about triggers: Parents can provide invaluable insight into what might cause their child to feel anxious or overwhelmed.

• Incorporate comfort items: Many autistic children have objects that soothe them, such as a favorite toy or blanket. Encourage parents to bring these to the appointment.

• Respect their expertise: Caregivers know their kids the best can help you navigate challenging moments. They can help guide interactions and suggest ways to calm or redirect their child’s focus.

Continued Education and Training

As a dental professional, learning more about autism can help you feel more confident and prepared to meet these children’s unique needs. Consider ongoing training for you and your staff on how to best support autistic children during their visit.

At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we are happy to help learn more about what your practice is doing to help this population and brainstorm ideas on how to improve this experience for these children.

This will not only benefit these kids but also create a more inclusive environment for all patients.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Experience

At our pediatric therapy clinic, we know firsthand the importance of a supportive, patient-centered approach for children with autism. By adapting your dental practice to their needs, you can create a positive experience that reduces stress for both the child and their family.

Autistic children may face unique challenges, but with the right adjustments and understanding, you can help them feel comfortable and safe. In turn, this can foster trust and encourage regular dental visits—setting the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

By creating an autism-friendly practice, you’re not just providing dental care—you’re also offering understanding, compassion, and a commitment to inclusion.