Autism-Friendly Dental Care in New York
Find a patient, autism-friendly dentist in Plainview & Long Island. We offer sensory-friendly dental care with social stories & sedation options for a calm visit.
A Safe and Sensory-Friendly Dental Home for the Autism Community
A dental office, with its bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, new textures, and close personal contact, can be an overwhelming experience for an individual on the autism spectrum. At Meadowbrook Dental, we understand these unique challenges. We are deeply committed to providing patient, predictable, and autism-friendly dental care for children and adults across Long Island and in our Plainview community. Our guiding principle is to adapt our approach to fit the needs of your loved one, creating a safe, supportive, and successful dental home for life.
Our entire approach is built on reducing sensory overload and fostering trust through predictability and routine. We achieve this with a range of specific accommodations:
Pre-Visit Preparation: We can provide you with a custom "social story", a simple picture-based guide of our office and what to expect during a visit, that you can review with your loved one beforehand. We also welcome pre-appointment "happy visits" just to tour the office and meet our team.
A Calm Environment: We can schedule appointments during quieter times of the day, utilize private treatment rooms, and dim the lights to create a more soothing atmosphere.
Managing Sensory Input: We are happy to accommodate sensory needs by offering noise-canceling headphones, protective sunglasses, and weighted blankets to provide comforting deep pressure. We also avoid using strong-smelling products whenever possible.
Gentle, Predictable Techniques: Our team is highly trained in the "tell-show-do" method, where we explain and demonstrate every step before it happens. We work at the patient's pace, always allowing for breaks when needed.
Your Questions About Autism-Friendly Dental Care Answered
1. What is a "social story", and how does it help? A social story is a simple, personalized narrative that visually walks a patient through the steps of a dental visit. By showing pictures of our office, our team, and the dental chair, it helps to create predictability and mentally prepare an individual for the experience, significantly reducing anxiety about the unknown.
2. My child is very sensitive to certain tastes, like mint. Can you accommodate this? Yes, absolutely. We have a variety of flavors for our polishing paste and fluoride treatments, including non-flavored options. Please let us know about any specific sensory sensitivities beforehand, and we will do everything we can to avoid triggers and use alternatives.
3. What happens if my child becomes overwhelmed and cannot finish the appointment? That is perfectly okay. Our philosophy is built on patience. We will never force treatment. If your child becomes overwhelmed, we will stop, take a break, and reassess. The goal is to build a positive relationship. We can always reschedule and break the appointment down into smaller, more manageable steps.
4. Can we bring comfort items from home? Yes, we strongly encourage it! Please bring along a favorite toy, a tablet with a favorite show, a special blanket, or anything else that provides your loved one with a sense of comfort and security.
5. Is sedation dentistry a safe option for a patient with autism? Yes. For many individuals who find it impossible to sit for necessary dental treatment, sedation dentistry is an extremely safe and effective tool. It allows them to remain in a calm, relaxed state while we perform essential care to prevent pain and infection. Our team is fully trained and certified in sedation protocols and uses state-of-the-art monitoring to ensure your loved one's complete safety.
Why Families on Long Island Trust Us for Autism-Friendly Care
Choosing a dental provider for a family member with autism is a decision rooted in finding a team you can implicitly trust. We are honored to be that resource for our community.
1. A Deep Understanding of Sensory Needs: We don't just tolerate sensory sensitivities; we proactively manage them. Our team has a genuine understanding of how sensory input can affect an individual with ASD, and our entire approach is designed to create a calm, sensory-friendly experience for patients in Plainview and across Long Island.
2. A Patient, Predictable, and Flexible Approach: We build trust through routine and predictability. Our commitment to the "tell-show-do" method, taking breaks as needed, and never rushing treatment ensures that your loved one feels safe and in control.
3. A True Partnership with Parents & Caregivers: You are the expert on your child. We listen to you. Your insights, advice, and presence during the appointment are invaluable to us. We view our relationship with you as a true partnership dedicated to your loved one's well-being.
4. A Dedicated Safe Space for the Community: Our Plainview office is designed to be a welcoming, safe haven for the entire Long Island autism community. We are committed to breaking down barriers to ensure every individual has access to high-quality, compassionate dental care.
5. A Trained, Compassionate, and Experienced Team: Our team's commitment comes from the heart. We have pursued specific training and have years of experience working with the autism community. We have the patience, empathy, and clinical skill to make every visit a positive one.
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