Patient care Continued »
them less clinical. Children with autism particularly like footprints on the floor too, so these have been purchased and fitted in the centre. Footprints are a form of signage used in hospitals and clinics. Again, this adds to the overall child-friend- liness of the environment.” Some patients, particularly chil-
dren, like to take comforters into the dentist’s surgery to help to occupy or distract them. For some people, taking an iPod or having music playing in the background can act as a good blocker to equipment noise. Lyndsay said: “Our aim is to
provide positive sensory stimuli. For example, light patterns and shapes fascinate some children, so we now have a laser projector that produces lights on the ceiling. We also have various toys and resources that were recommended by a colleague who has considerable experience of children with autism.” Based on feedback from its members and supporters, the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland has some key advice for dentists on making the surgery experience a positive one for people with autism. Many with the condition find
waiting around for an appointment stressful. Alternatively, they may prefer to wait outside and a member of staff could be identified to collect them when the health professional is ready. If the appointment is likely to be delayed, they may wish to leave the building completely and return at a later agreed time. It may even be worthwhile to book a double time slot. This reduces the chance of you running late and provides enough time not to feel rushed. During treatment, explain what
you are going to do before starting any procedure or examination. The patient may not make eye contact, especially if he or she is distressed. Lack of eye contact does not neces- sarily mean they are not listening to what you are saying. Using clear simple language with short sentences can be very useful. It is worthwhile avoiding using body language, gestures or facial expres- sions without verbal instructions. These may not be understood. Giving direct requests, such as
“Open your mouth” is more autism- friendly. If you say “Can you open
ABOUT NAS SCOTLAND
The National Autistic Society Scotland is a leading charity for people with autism and their families. Its main priority is to support people with autism in accessing the same social, educational and employment opportunities that many of those without autism take for granted. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible. In 2010, NAS Scotland launched its We Exist campaign. Its main aim was to overcome govern- ment resistance to creating a strategy that addresses the needs of 50,000 people with autism in Scotland who feel they are unable to access mainstream services and support.
NAS Scotland raised general public awareness of autism in Scotland and the
benefits that would come with legislation, not just for people with the condi- tion, but for the nation as a whole.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of NAS staff, its members and supporters and a range of autism groups, on 2 November 2011, the Scottish Govern- ment finally launched its Strategy for Autism and announced funding of £13.4 million to address the
“Many people with autism don’t like clutter – things on worktops, or pictures
and posters on walls” Lyndsay Ovenstone
your mouth?”, this may result in the person keeping the mouth closed or simply elicit the answer “yes”. The person with autism may not understand you are asking them to do something. Ask for the informa- tion you need. A person with autism may not volunteer vital information without being asked directly. Check they have understood what you have said – some people with autism may speak clearly but can lack full understanding. People with autism tend to take directions literally. If you say “It will
needs of families and indi- viduals in Scotland affected by autism. NAS Scotland won the Campaign of the Year title for its We Exist campaign at the prestigious 2011 Herald Society Awards. NAS Scotland continues to work and campaign so that the one in every 100 Scots with autism can access the basic support they need to fulfil their potential. The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website
www.autism.org.uk
® For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0808 800 4104 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (free from landlines and most mobiles).
only hurt for a minute”, they may expect the pain to have gone within a minute. It is important to help the individual realise that this experi- ence does have a time limit. By using visual or auditory timers such as sand timers, buzzers or watch alarms, the patient can have an understanding of this and monitor the length of the experience. If you have responsibility for staff
training, make sure autism-specific training is offered to all staff. NAS publishes many valuable publica- tions for patients and practice staff at
www.autism.org.uk/gp The society also offers specific
training for health professionals as well as a range of conferences and seminars. For full details, visit www.
autism.org.uk/training or www.
autism.org.uk/conferences
® For further information, visit www.
autism.org.uk/working-with/health
Scottish Dental magazine 33
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