Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Yorktown is participating in April’s National Autism Awareness Month in some amazing ways.
Both Dr. Benjamin A. Dancygier and Dr. Jennifer R. Blair, along with their entire team, all wore Light it Up Blue t-shirts which were purchased through Autism Speaks; they also changed 10 light bulbs in their offices to blue and will be keeping the blue lights on for the entire month of April.
Additionally, their office is collecting donations throughout the month for Autism Speaks and is helping to raise overall awareness of autism.
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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 1 in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
In addition to all the events and fundraising focused on Autism Awareness happening at Valley Pediatric Dentistry this month, Dr. Blair offers the following tips to help families with children on the Autism Spectrum prepare for their first dental visit.
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5 Tips to Prepare Your Child with Autism For Their First Dental Visit
Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can be nerve racking no matter what, but when your child has Autism, it can feel insurmountable. It is a life event that many Autism families postpone or avoid. This can have devastating effects on the child’s dental health, as well as their overall health. It does not have to be like this. You just need to prepare both you and your child. Here are a few tips that will help you do just that.
1. Look for a Pediatric Dentist. A dentist that specializes in treating kids with special needs. Contact the office and ask to speak to the dentist. Getting to know the dentist, and their office and informing them of some of your child’s attributes and needs can help the entire team prepare for the first visit.
2. Use visual supports at home to begin preparing them for the visit. Visual supports of the office you will be visiting and of the tools or items used during the visit can help familiarize the child with their visit.
3. Visit the office prior to the first visit. Many pediatric dental offices welcome you to bring your child in to tour the office or meet the team and see other children demonstrating the dental visit.
4. Schedule the appointment at an appropriate time and day for your child. If you feel your child would be better coming for their visit when the office is the quietest, check with your dentist to see which times are best. Some dental practices will offer before and after hour appointments for children with special needs.
5. Bring your child’s toothbrush and toothpaste. Familiarity and routine is very important to children with Autism. Having their own items will help to avoid anxiety over using a different toothbrush or using toothpaste they don’t like.
Visit the Autism Speaks website for more information and advice, and to download their very informative Dental Tool Kit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/dental-tool-kit
About Autism Speaks:
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright and has become the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. According to their website, www.autismspeaks.org, the organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
About Valley Pediatric Dentistry P.C.:
Valley Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. is located in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, New York. The pediatric specialty practice is led by Benjamin A. Dancygier, D.D.S. and Jennifer R. Blair, D.M.D. Together with their team, they are proud to provide the finest healthcare in a nurturing, comfortable and professional atmosphere. The Valley Pediatric Dentistry team provides care for infants, children, adolescents and those with special needs. For more information about Valley Pediatric Dentistry, P.C, please visit our website at http://www.doctorbendds.com and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/doctorbendds) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ValleyPediatricDentistryPC).
