Our Practice is Autism Aware
Awareness is a wonderful thing; it helps society understand the challenges others face and hopefully brings acceptance and tolerance to those with difficulties and special needs.
It was not that long ago that Autism was a little-known disorder. Even those who knew of it had difficulty understanding it, as there is such a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. There are subtypes and degrees of strengths and weaknesses. The ways in which people with autism learn, think, and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. You also have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a high functioning Autism.
Signs of Autism usually appear by age 2 or 3, with some associated development delays appearing earlier. Many times, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
Children with special needs need special medical intervention, they need medical professionals who understand their challenges and are able work through and around them to the betterment of the patient. This can be a professional with additional training, a patient and positive attitude, and a well-trained staff. Dental care should not be ignored, good oral hygiene should start at an early age as should regular dental visits. A dentist who is well versed in Autism will make dental care that much easier and the visits less stressful.
Dr Lee Lichtenstein has made it part of his practice to understand that Autistic patients, of all ages, have sensory issues and challenging behaviors. A dental office can be overwhelming and intimidating. The office setting is clean and bright, but the atmosphere is calming. Dr. Lichtenstein speaks with a soothing voice, and the staff is specially trained to understand and have patience. The Sedation Dentistry offered in the practice is a big plus for a patient who is unable to remain calm or sit still in a dentist’s chair. In addition to Autism, they also treat children, adolescents and adults who have Behavior Management concerns such as ADD, ADHD, OCD as well as issues like Bi-polar Disorder.
It is a relief to both the patient and caregiver to be able to go to a dentist and be treated with understanding and not have the trauma and drama that ensues. One negative experience for a child may mean a lifetime of avoiding needed dental care.
Not sure what you or your love one needs? Give us a call, come on in for a consultation and learn how you can lay back and enjoy a visit to the dentist. Dr. Lee Lichtenstein and his highly trained staff offer general dentistry services as well as dental treatments that can be performed using sedation dentistry and general anesthesia techniques to make patients’ experiences more pleasant and comfortable.