Autistic tween won't clean teeth

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Comments

  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 15,450 Championing

    what about rewarding him for every time he brushes his teeth instead of punishment.

  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 15,450 Championing

    at least someone agrees with me

  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 14,626 Online Community Programme Lead

    This discussion has been paused so we can review it.

  • Community_Scope
    Community_Scope Posts: 2,434 Online Community Team

    We have decided to reopen this discussion, however, please bear in mind our House Rules. Replies should be civil, supportive, and safe. Negative comments about someone's situation is not supportive, so please consider this when replying in future.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 8,987 Championing

    If he can't tolerate brushing, would chewing sugar free gum after eating, and using mouthwash be an option?

  • dhoni4455
    dhoni4455 Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    "what about rewarding him for every time he brushes his teeth instead of punishment."

    I also agree with him.

  • sasuke_mum
    sasuke_mum Community Member Posts: 18 Connected

    Thank you @durhamjaide2001 , @dhoni4455 . @Nightcity suggested rewards too so we're giving that a try. @Biblioklept suggested gamifying, so we're aiming for five-in-a-row to get a reward and we've made a sheet for him to mark off morning and night. He's still struggling, but we're trying a soft toothbrush and mouthwash too - the mouthwash has been a really great shout, he's taken to that really well, thank you @Mrs and @Kimi87 and @Hopeless

    I've learned a lot about Autism over the past six years and some of my ideas of parenting have changed. There are still consequences for bad behaviour but this isn't bad behaviour. @Passerby you could check out https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/ This site has videos of young people and parents talking about their autism and the challenges it can bring.

    Thanks everyone!

  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 14,626 Online Community Programme Lead

    That's a great site @sasuke_mum, thank you for sharing it. How is your son getting on with marking it off?

  • sasuke_mum
    sasuke_mum Community Member Posts: 18 Connected

    Hi @Adrian_Scope He's really engaged with it and I'm hopeful that it'll become routine again and he'll be doing it independently. It's so good being able to get advice from people who understand, and in a lot of cases have the same challenge themselves.