Okay, he still doesn't like the dentist

What do you get when you take 1 autistic kid, add 1 part touch-sensation issues, and add 1 part noise-sensation issues? You get yet another dentist visit from Hell!

He knew he was in for a tough afternoon right away. I picked him up at school, and told him we were going to the doctor. Once safely buckled in his seat, I gave him the real story, that this was a special doctor called the dentist. He clearly remembered the word dentist -- and remembered that it was a bad thing. He covered his mouth, and said "No, no count the teeth." This is what we told him last time. We told him the dentist just wanted to count his teeth.

Once we arrived, he was in partial anxiety mode. He was nervous, but I was able to distract him with toys and general observations like "Hey, look at that big truck." Inside, there were more toys to play with, and the big fish tank. However, once they called his name, it was back to the old days! Down on the floor, kicking, crying, and covering his mouth.

We go to a special dentist office, one that specializes in autistic children. This is a good thing, because no other dentist would tolerate John. He required 2 nurses, along with me, to keep him in check. Even then, he kept wriggling a hand free and covering his mouth. The little wand that rotates didn't help, either. It's supposed to polish his teeth, but I think it ended up polishing his nose, cheek, and shirt.

Once it was all over, we celebrated by getting some ice cream. However, the experience clearly made its mark on him. When we put him to bed last night, he started crying again, and saying "No dentist." I'll be glad when he's older and we can explain dental visits to him. Once he understands what's happening, he tends to be calmer. The dentist, for him, it just terrifying, and he cries like he's scared. Not fun.