Orthotown November 2023 - 46

1. It starts with the first
interaction-ask about
accommodations.
If a patient or caregiver identifies the
patient as having ASD, be proactive
in asking what accommodations you
can provide. Give examples of accommodations
you have made in the past.
Provide detailed information about
what to expect at the first appointment
or share a short introductory
video to help reduce anxiety. Frontloading
is crucial with ASD patients:
Provide as much information as
possible about the appointment and
the orthodontic process in advance
of the appointment, including images
if possible.
2. Optimize scheduling.
We strongly suggest early morning
appointments for ASD patients, and
their families happily oblige. This
time slot eliminates patient anxiety
buildup from thinking about it
all afternoon, provides the calmest
environment and reduces distractions.
A bonus for orthodontic offices is they
won't choose the popular after-school
appointments. We are also careful
to not schedule on festive days such
as Halloween, when the staff will be
in costume.
3. Establish a positive rapport.
Morning and early-afternoon appointments
also provide additional time
to establish trust and evaluate the
patient's capabilities. Use simple language
and avoid complex orthodontic
terms to aid communication. Always
have the same staff member work with
the patient. Spend additional time
training your entire staff on how to
work with ASD patients.
Build trust and work hard to be the
best part of your patient's day. It is not
difficult to win over an ASD patient.
For some, their love language might
be receiving specific gifts, like colorchanging
pencils. (One patient intentionally
broke his wires just to receive
another pencil. We pivoted and only
gave pencils for visits that did not
require repairs.)
4. Offer distractions.
Music and iPads are lifesavers for distracting
patients! It offers a distraction
from the actual appointment procedure
and mitigates sensory stimuli for
the patient. Consider offering stuffed
plush toys as a distraction and remind
patients they can bring their favorite
toy to the appointment.
One patient was able to remain still
for the pano only when the assistant
calmly repeated, " Stand still like a
soldier. Stand still like a soldier. "
Some patients still have a sensitive
gag reflex, regardless of the distraction.
For this, the " salt lick " trick
almost always works: Have them
put a tiny bit of salt on their wrist to
lick. Most will stop gagging for the
procedure.
Frontloading is crucial
with ASD patients:
Provide as much
information as possible
about the appointment
and the orthodontic
process in advance of
the appointment.
5. Emphasize routine.
ASD patients are sticklers for routine
and find consistency reassuring.
Schedule appointments at the same
time and on the same day of the week
with the same staff member. Work
with the patient and their family to
make orthodontics part of their routine-brushing,
cleaning appliances,
aligner or elastic compliance, etc.
NOVEMBER 2023 | 46 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
http://www.ORTHOTOWN.COM
Orthotown November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown November 2023
