Routine medical and dental visits are important for every child’s health, but for children with autism, these experiences can sometimes be overwhelming or stressful. The new environment, unfamiliar sounds, bright lights, and unexpected interactions can all create anxiety. However, with the right preparation and strategies, parents and caregivers can make these visits more manageable and positive for both the child and the provider.
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we understand that every child experiences the world differently. Our team of autism specialists offers services like ABA therapy, parent training, and social skills development to help children learn coping strategies and communication skills that can make real-world experiences—like doctor and dentist appointments—more comfortable. We serve families across New Haven County, including Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
This guide will walk you through helpful steps to prepare your child for doctor and dentist visits, ensuring smoother experiences and positive outcomes.
Understanding Why Medical Visits Can Be Challenging
Children with autism may find medical and dental visits challenging for several reasons:
- Unpredictability – New environments and unexpected procedures can cause anxiety.
- Communication Barriers – A child may struggle to express discomfort or confusion.
- Fear of Sensory Overload – Bright lights, loud instruments, and unfamiliar touches can feel overwhelming.
- Difficulty with Transitions – Shifting from daily routines to an unfamiliar setting can be distressing.
- Past Negative Experiences – If a previous visit was stressful, it can lead to heightened anxiety the next time.
By anticipating these challenges, parents can proactively prepare their child with strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy—focusing on structure, predictability, and positive reinforcement.
1. Start with Preparation at Home
Preparation is key to helping children with autism feel comfortable about upcoming appointments. Start early—days or even weeks before the visit—to familiarize your child with what to expect.
- Use Social Stories: Create a short visual story about visiting the doctor or dentist. Include photos or drawings that show each step: sitting in the waiting room, greeting the staff, sitting in the exam chair, and receiving praise afterward.
- Role-Play Visits: Pretend to be the doctor or dentist at home. Practice simple steps like opening the mouth, listening to the heartbeat, or checking teeth with a toothbrush.
- Talk About the Appointment Frequently: Use calm, reassuring language and highlight positive outcomes like “The doctor helps keep us healthy” or “The dentist keeps our smile strong.”
At Solstice, our parent training programs help families use these types of ABA-based preparation strategies to make medical routines more predictable and manageable.
2. Communicate with the Provider in Advance
Before the visit, contact the doctor’s or dentist’s office to let them know that your child has autism. Many medical professionals are willing to make accommodations to create a more comfortable experience. You can:
- Ask for the first appointment of the day to avoid waiting room delays.
- Request a quiet waiting area if possible.
- Provide details about your child’s communication style, triggers, and calming techniques.
- Bring visual supports or a preferred communication device (like a PECS book or AAC tablet).
Some families also find it helpful to take a pre-visit tour so the child can see the space ahead of time. This reduces anxiety by turning the unknown into something familiar.
3. Use ABA Techniques During the Visit
ABA therapy principles can be incredibly helpful during doctor or dentist visits. These techniques can keep the experience structured and positive:
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for cooperating, even for small steps like walking into the office or sitting in the chair.
- First/Then Statements: Clearly communicate expectations: “First the dentist counts your teeth, then we’ll go for ice cream.”
- Visual Schedules: Use a picture-based schedule showing each step of the appointment.
- Modeling: Show your child what to expect by demonstrating calm behavior yourself or allowing a sibling to go first.
- Breaks When Needed: Offer short pauses if the child becomes overwhelmed to prevent escalation.
Solstice’s ABA specialists frequently work with families to apply these real-life behavior management techniques, helping children generalize learned skills across different settings—including medical environments.
4. Bring Comfort Items and Familiar Tools
A few small comfort items can make a big difference. Pack a “comfort kit” that might include:
- A favorite toy or stuffed animal
- Headphones with calming music
- A fidget tool or stress ball
- A small weighted lap pad
- Snacks or water for after the appointment
These familiar objects help children feel secure and give them something to focus on while waiting or during procedures.
5. Practice Self-Advocacy and Communication Skills
Empowering children with autism to communicate their needs is an important part of long-term success. Even young or nonverbal children can learn to express preferences or discomfort through Functional Communication Training (FCT) or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems—both offered through Solstice’s therapy programs.
Teach your child simple phrases or gestures to express what they need, such as “break,” “finished,” or “help.” Practicing these in advance helps children feel more in control and understood during appointments.
6. Use Positive Reinforcement After the Visit
After the appointment, celebrate success—no matter how small. Provide verbal praise, a preferred activity, or a tangible reward. This positive association helps build confidence and reduces fear for future visits.
Over time, as the child experiences success and predictability, their comfort level grows.
7. Follow Up with Supportive Therapies
If medical or dental visits remain especially difficult, ABA therapy, occupational therapy, or social skills group therapy may help. These therapies build skills related to flexibility, coping, and tolerance for new environments.
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we tailor our interventions to each child’s needs. Our clinicians—Master’s and Doctoral-level experts—offer individualized treatment plans that focus on long-term skill development and family empowerment.
Our services include:
- ABA Therapy (Home-Based and Center-Based)
- Solstice Academy – Specialized education for children with autism
- Telehealth Services for flexibility and convenience
Conclusion
Doctor and dentist visits can be challenging for children with autism, but with thoughtful preparation, communication, and support, they can become much more positive experiences. Parents who use ABA strategies, reinforce progress, and collaborate with providers can help their children build confidence and resilience over time.
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, located in Shelton, CT, we proudly serve families throughout New Haven County, including Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
Our compassionate team specializes in ABA therapy, parent training, and social skills development to help children with autism succeed in every aspect of daily life. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (203) 900-4720 today.