Going to the dentist can be a cause for anxiety for most of us, but it can create an even more intense feeling for those with autism. This has been the motivation behind a new pilot program at ACES Orange County.ACES Clinicians will simulate a dentist’s office by offering a realistic dental experience so children can practice before an actual dentist appointment.By using a real dental chair, pretend dental equipment, and a lot of visuals, we plan to offer an experience that will allow the child to learn what to expect when they visit the dentist.

ACES provides answers to these common questionsDo you know dentists who work with special needs children? Can you come with us to help ease the anxiety of the visit? How can we prepare for the dental visit?"

Through play, exploration, and practice, children will be able to learn positive behaviors to help them navigate their visit to the dentistThe curriculum for this program was designed to simplify the dental visit by breaking it into small steps that the child can understand and using the most effective strategies:

• Social Stories showing what will happen in the dentist's office.
• Role playing and video modeling common scenarios and coping strategies to reduce anxiety.
• Desensitization to common stimuli in dental offices such as lights, sounds, and smells.
• Visual schedules and choice boards to help the child feel in control and better able to participate.

In nearly all cases, practice and positive reinforcement are the key to a successful dental visit.Some children need months to prepare and practice while others need days or hours. Recognizing this, ACES can individualize the curriculum to meet the needs of each child through the dental play.

“We have seen the impact that a positive dental experience
can have on the family and health of the child.”- Ashley Drag, ACES Director of Group Programming

Parents are encouraged to participate and attend the pretend ACES Dental Clinic to practice and learn the strategies before visiting the dentist.Please contact your supervisor to see if this program would benefit your child. ACES wants every family to have access to this type experience.For more great resources visit: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/dental-tool-kit