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The Dentist, Eye Doctor

Victoria - posted on 03/11/2009 ( 7 moms have responded )

How can I possibly prepare my child with special needs for the dentist???How do I get him ready for the eye doctor???

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Susan - posted on 04/10/2009

I took sun glasses with us to the dentist to block the bright light from our daughter's eyes. The dentist was great with her. I requested the dentist, herself, do the cleaning in a private room. this accomadation helped reduce extra stimuli. I love the Pec idea above, i have done that with other docs and specialist. if your child watches tv, try a video... we used Bernstein bears. Good luck

Meredith - posted on 04/09/2009

I haven't tried the dentist yet our appt is in 2 weeks. My daughter is almost three and has been to the eye doctor 2-3 times. She doesn't like them spraying the stuff to dialate her eyes but other than that she good. she loves the doctor!! the doctors sister had special needs so he works well with my daughter. I would look for one with lots of experience with special needs or maybe specifically in your child's condition.

My daughter isn't able to notice the different types yet so i just try to make sure she likes them all. talk to her about how good they are.

Trudy - posted on 04/08/2009

my son has developmental delay mild cp and bi lateral cataracts.He had his first eye surgery at 2 years so we have been seeing the opthamologist for7 years now .At first is is hard but as the relationship with the doctor grows it gets easier every time we go he flies the space ship,our doctor lets him lift and lower the chair himself and those little things count to make the experience better

Victoria - posted on 03/11/2009

Thanks everyone I will try all of these things

Vanessa - posted on 03/11/2009

I have two children with autism and what I did was took pictures of the doctors and nurses and used them like pec cards. We use the same doctors now so a few days before the appointment I show them and explain that it is time for our checkups. It helps some with the meltdowns. Hope this helps for you!

Stacie - posted on 03/11/2009

I havent tried the eye doctor yet, but the I use a pedi dentist. He is great, the first time he just brought my son in and showed him the office. The next time he worked up to having him open his mouth and just count his teeth and look to make sure they were okay. Then we worked up to sitting in the chair and so on.