Call ahead
Share communication, sensory and touch preferences. Ask about a quiet wait, extra time or a familiarisation visit.
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MYAUTISMHUB × GUIDING STARS · OUT & ABOUT
A calmer visit starts before the chair.
Use this appointment passport to make the dentist more predictable, protect communication and plan for sensory needs.
VISIT PASSPORT✚
DENTAL
DAY
DAY
My child’s name
My appointment
Bring this plan, your child’s communication system and one familiar comfort item.
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT
Make the visit visible.
Tell the practice what helps your child. Ask what can be changed, and prepare your child with the amount of information that works for them.
Show the sequence
Use real photos or a short story: arrive, wait, meet, look, clean or check, finish.
Choose the timing
Ask about a time when waiting is shorter. A longer or split appointment may help some children.
THE APPOINTMENT PASSPORT
What happens, one stage at a time?
0/ 6 prepared
Tap each stamp as you talk about it or practise it.
The first appointment can be a visit, a look around or meeting the team. Treatment is not the only measure of progress.
MY COMMUNICATION CARD
Help the dental team understand.
Write down what your child uses to communicate and how they show “yes”, “no”, “stop”, pain or “I need a break”. Do not rely on spoken words or eye contact alone.
My child may communicate by…Please tell my child before you…A helpful break looks like…
SENSORY CHECK-IN
What might make this harder?
REASONABLE REQUESTS TO DISCUSS
Change the setting before adding pressure.
Every practice has different options. Ask what is safe and possible for your child.
Explain before touching
Use clear, literal language about what is about to happen and allow processing time.
Use a pause signal
Agree a hand signal, card or gesture that means stop, wait or break.
Reduce waiting
Ask whether your child can wait somewhere quieter or be called in from outside.
Keep a record
Note what helped so your child does not have to start from zero next time.
IF THE VISIT IS TOO MUCH
Safety and trust come first.
Pause, step out or end the visit if your child is overwhelmed. Talk with the dental team about another plan. If sedation or specialist community dental care is being considered, discuss it with the dentist and appropriate medical professionals.
After the appointment
Offer quiet recovery time, record the child’s experience in their own way, and celebrate communication or coping—not forced stillness or completion.
Explore support pathways ↗WHY THESE IDEAS ARE HERE
Evidence-informed, child-specific.
This guide adapts guidance on visual supports, familiarisation visits, sensory adjustments, accessible communication, flexible timing and recording preferences for future visits.