In the Know for You to Know

As a parent, you know that preventing dental related issues is important, and you also know that this is not so simple when your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Some children may be fearful of new surroundings or sensitive to light and sounds or smells and tastes and do not know how to express these feelings.

Story telling is a great way to introduce new or unfamiliar experiences to your child. It’s also a way to re-introduce unpleasant experiences in a positive way.

Since we all love to tell a really good story or listen to one, today we’re helping you create your own dental social story.

Preparing Your Child To Go To The Dentist

Your approach needs to be tailored to your child’s individual needs.

For some children with ASD, it’s your calm reassuring voice talking with them about the pediatric dentist’s office, the people they’ll meet, the chair they’ll sit in, the toothpaste that’s used to brush their teeth.

Other children may like to read or look at books, some like to look at actual photos on your phone, or role play, and for some it’s your social story.

Which ever it is that works best for your child, always stay positive and keep your descriptions in small, repeatable steps.

Read A Social Story About Taking Care Of Their Teeth With Your Child

Social stories use positive, simple, straight forward language to describe the sequence of events your child will experience. The stories usually have pictures to help show the things they will see, hear, and do.

Before creating your own social story, a good resource for you to see examples of social stories is the website for the Pennsylvania Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative.

You’ll find social stories about going to the dentist, having their teeth cleaned, x-rays, and filling a cavity.

Create Your Own Social Story About Going To The Dentist

Once you’ve made your child’s appointment you know when it’s best to introduce this to them.

Before you do, consider taking pictures of the street the office is on, the parking lot, the outside of the building, the office’s front door with the dentist’s name.

You might want to stop by and ask if you can take some pictures of the office to include in your social story. This way you’re showing your child what to expect step by step.

To go along next to the pictures you can include as many or as few descriptions as you feel are necessary.

Writing Your Own Social Story

Things to keep in mind when writing your social story ~

• Write your story using your child’s name,
• Keep it positive,
• Give specific examples,
• Pictures help to explain,
• Leave room for questions,
• All good stories include a “The End” to complete the story and so should your story.

Descriptions To Include In Your Social Story

I’ve put together a detailed list for you to choose from ~

1. You and I going to the Dentist and we’ll be driving down this street ,
2. Then we’ll park our car near your Dentist’s office,
3. After we park the car we’ll walk to your Dentist’s office,
4. The office is upstairs/downstairs/on the walk-in floor so we may/may not need to take an elevator ride; or we may/may not take the stairs,
5. When we get to the Dentist’s office we’ll open the door and walk in,
6. There is a lady sitting behind a desk. She’ll say hello to us when we walk in,
7. After we say hello, we’ll tell her your name,
8. The lady behind the desk may ask us to sit down and watch a movie, or play one of the games until it’s your turn,
9. When it’s your turn the hygienist will call your name,
10. The hygienist is the lady who cleans your teeth, she works with your Dentist,
11. Then we’ll all walk together to a room with a few special chairs that look like Daddy’s recliner,
12. The hygienist will ask you to sit down in one of these chairs,
13. The hygienist will tell you that this chair is special because it moves up and down and reclines back almost like a bed, but you don’t have to rake a nap,
14. The hygienist will tell you that the chair moves back so she and your Dentist can look at all your teeth even the one’s all the way in the back,
15. The hygienist will also tell you that when you’re lying back on the chair you can hold my hand and put your legs straight out,
16. The hygienist will ask you how big you can open your mouth, and count how long you can stay open wide,
17. The hygienist will show you the big light she and your Dentist use so they can see all your teeth,
18. Before she turns the light on, the hygienist will ask you if I want to wear sunglasses or close your eyes because the light is bright like the sun,
19. The hygienist will show you the special mirror she and your Dentist use to look at your teeth. She’ll let you touch the mirror and she will also show you what the mirror feels like on your lips and tongue and cheeks,
20. Then the hygienist will show you the tooth counter she and your Dentist use to count and check your teeth,
21. The hygienist will show you the special floss string she uses to clean in-between your teeth, she’ll let you touch the floss and she’ll show you how it feels in-between your fingers and then she’ll floss your teeth,
22. The hygienist will show you the special power toothbrush and special toothpaste she uses to clean your teeth, then she will let you touch this special toothbrush and she’ll show you what the brush feels like on your finger and then on your teeth; the best part is that the hygienist will say you get to pick the flavor of your toothpaste,
23. The hygienist will show you the special tooth vitamins she puts on your teeth after your Dentist checks your teeth with his mirror and tooth counter,
24. The Dentist may want to take special pictures of your teeth, the hygienist will explain that these photos are called x-rays and you get to wear a super special emoji apron to take the x-rays, and I get to watch you from the door,
25. When you’re all finished the hygienist will give you a fun bag filled with a brand new toothbrush and toothpaste, and you’ll get to choose a super special prize.

What To Remember

Your social story is a simple short story. By using encouraging words and pictures, it helps you explain to your child the people they will meet and what they can expect at their dental visit in a way that makes sense to them.

Have you heard about social stories? Have you ever created your own social story? Do you feel social stories are helpful? Tell us your social story, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!