Going to the dentist can be an uncomfortable and scary experience for any of us. But for children with autism and other sensory-sensitive disorders, the bright lights, loud tools, unfamiliar faces and new spaces can often be overstimulating. This emphasizes the need for many families to find an accepting and inclusive dentist for their child.

With April being National Autism Acceptance Month, there's no better time to celebrate differences and create meaningful connections in our communities.

When parents of a child with autism are preparing for their first dental experience, dental professionals must have resources in place to create a safe, comfortable setting. It's also vital to establish a working relationship with the child's parents.

Children with autism encounter significant obstacles in maintaining oral hygiene, both in domestic settings and during dental visits. According to a study reported by the National Society of Medicine, merely 50 percent of children diagnosed with autism adhere to the recommended twice-daily teeth-brushing regimen, while a staggering 61 percent of parents of children with autism acknowledge the challenges associated with........

© El Dorado News Times