Weighted Lap Pad
- Who it may help
- Patients who find deep pressure calming.
- How to use it
- Rest it across the lap while waiting or sitting in the dental chair, if the dental team is happy for it to stay on during treatment.
Free Going to the Dentist Social Story and Communication Board
Free printable dental resources to help autistic and neurodivergent children and adults prepare for a dental visit, understand what will happen and communicate their needs.
The unfamiliar environment, waiting, bright lights, different sounds, equipment and uncertainty about what will happen can make a dental appointment extremely difficult for some children and adults. The social story gently explains what someone might see, hear and experience, and the communication board lets a patient point to what they need.
Why I made this
My daughter is autistic, and we have had quite a few trips to the dentist. From personal experience, I know just how intense the overwhelm surrounding a dental appointment can be.
Drawing on my experience as both a parent and part of the Learning SPACE team, I created these resources. I would be delighted if you shared this page with anyone who may benefit.
Mary Leonard
Learning SPACE
Examples from the communication board
The board gives patients a simple way to tell the dentist what they need, even when speaking feels too hard.
- Yes
- No
- Stop
- Wait
- Show me first
- What happens next?
- It hurts
- Too bright
- Too loud
- I need a break
- Sit me up
How dental practices can help
- Offer the free download link to patients and families before their appointment.
- Include the link in appointment confirmations or reminder emails.
- Keep a printed copy of the social story in the waiting area.
- Keep a printed or laminated communication board in each treatment room.
Seeing the resources in advance helps patients understand what to expect and think about how they will share their needs during the appointment.
What's included in the download
- Going to the Dentist Social Story. Explains each stage of a dental visit in a clear and reassuring way.
- Dentist Communication Board. Simple words and phrases to help patients communicate their needs during the appointment.
- Printable versions. Use them at home, share them with families or provide them in the dental practice.
Although created with neurodivergent children in mind, these resources can also help adults and anyone with additional needs, anxiety or communication differences.
Sensory equipment for dentists and autism-friendly dental practices
Small sensory and environmental adjustments can make dental appointments feel more manageable for autistic and neurodivergent patients and people with additional sensory or communication needs.
Helpful options may include weighted lap pads for patients who find deep pressure calming, familiar fidget resources for waiting, and a projector showing calming visuals or a favourite programme above the dental chair.
The most effective support will be different for every person. Dental teams should ask patients or their carers about sensory preferences before the appointment and always offer choice, communication and opportunities to pause.
Ready to Go Calm Kit
- Who it may help
- Children and adults who feel steadier with something familiar to hold or focus on.
- How to use it
- Portable fidgets and sensory supports to bring along for the waiting room and the appointment.
Pico Genie Smart Projector
- Who it may help
- Dental practices creating a calmer treatment room.
- How to use it
- Display familiar programmes or calming visuals on the wall or ceiling above the dental chair.
Questions about dental visits and sensory needs
How can I prepare an autistic child for the dentist?
Use the social story before the appointment to explain each stage of the visit. Look at it several times, talk about unfamiliar equipment and agree how your child can ask to stop or take a break.
What sensory equipment can a dental practice provide?
Useful options may include weighted lap pads, familiar fidget resources, reduced lighting, headphones and a projector showing calming or preferred visual content.
How can dentists support autistic and neurodivergent patients?
Offer information before the appointment, reduce unnecessary waiting, explain and show equipment before using it, accept different forms of communication and agree on a clear stop or pause signal. These are the kinds of reasonable adjustments that can make a real difference.
What is a dentist communication board?
A dentist communication board lets a patient point to messages such as Stop, Wait, Show me first, It hurts, Too bright and I need a break, so they can share their needs without having to speak.