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X-Rays

stylized photo of Mikey getting his dental examination, laying back in the chair, the dentist's gloved hands using a mirror and tool to look inside his mouth

Dental x-rays are not fun! I’m not pretending they are. I’m just doing my usual, look at the bright side, thing. They are excellent practice.  There may come a time when your child needs x-rays for something bigger or more stressful than a (potential) cavity. It’s good for them to have some experience with this and understand that the big equipment doesn’t cause any physical pain at all.

flash forward journal entry from the teen years. "I went to the dentist." photo of dental exam in progress, Michael wearing the protective gear for his x-rays and the TV in the dentist's office showing Magic School Bus.

Also, if your child is challenging at the dentist, it can be tough for the dentist to find every issue without the aid of x-rays.  If the images come back free of any problems, then your dentist will know that your child’s mouth is healthy.

Conversely, if there is a problem, the dentist can treat it early and the solutions will be less invasive.

So, as we flash forward this Friday, I’m happy to show you that dental x-rays are possible for some teens on the spectrum. If your child struggles, this may be something your dentist can do under sedation.  As always, advocate for whatever is best for your child, but don’t skip the dentist appointments…find someone you can work with and get your kiddo in there.  Search on the website if you need more information about desensitizing your child to the dental office and helping them learn to tolerate regular cleanings. 

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Erica Mauro

About the Author

Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 😉

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