Autism & Terrible Places

[@highflyingdisc5734]

Conversing during dental work is the worst. It’s even difficult to converse with the receptionist after the visit. Basically, I feel beat up even after the most minor work.

[@smicketysmoo]

Resonated with much of this - especially the Dentist experience! 😰 The noise, intrusion, shaming, etc is definitely a problem. But also the light burning into your eyes even when closed is probably the worst! I didn't realise until recently (during my own COVID period discovery of masked autism) that many autists/ND's also have no particular suasion of their visual sensitivities when they close their eyes. In fact, it can make it worse. I have a constant "white noise"/ pixilation effect with my vision - often coupled with vertigo. One of my earliest memories is tied up with this, but that has helped me with the Imposter Syndrome caused by rearing circumstances and late diagnosis(perhaps a topic for further content?). When I close my eyes, or light is reduced, this effect becomes more obvious - but it is normal for me so quite soothing (along with the constant hum of thinking - even when it is quiet outside). But when bright light is shone in my face, even with eyes closed, this effect can become quite painful/distressing. Coupled with the waves of light that wash in from the extremities of my visual range (and this is nothing compared to the "golden" 3d "hieroglyphics" which can infect my visual cortex when Migraine occurs), I generally have to disassociate to get through the dentist ordeal. I usually leave a weal on my fingers from having clenched my hands and pressing nails into flesh. That conscious pain helps the disassociation to occur and gets me through the treatment. I therefore applaud the idea that we - autists - might be able to take eye masks, ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones, stim toys in with us, to help regulate our over- or under-stimulation (I have the ASD/ADHD complex too - along with the CPTSD and the rest of regularly - unfortunately - comorbid letters/terms) but I have not found it easy to talk with my dentist about these/my needs. It is also a fact that - due to issues with executive dysfunction and maintenance - many of us autist/ADHD'ers will probably need more dental intervention than the allistic community, but most Dentists do not appear to be aware of this. The Dental surgeons (fixed/special?) interest is on the teeth/gums/mouth and not the whole person and their needs. Perhaps Dentists, along with other specialists in the physical medical community could do with more awareness of the mental differences of their patients? I was raised in UK and USA, now living in the Netherlands - each has its own issues/expectations/accommodations with autistic and dental treatments. I need to get dental treatment at present, having put it off due to COVID and autism discovery journey (just diagnosed), how should I broach these issues/needs with my dental surgeon? This is a general question to the community - I am not placing the onus upon "Autistic Musings" for answers! 😊

[@philipswann9753]

Yay! Remember to floss :D

[@autisticmusings7429]

Of course or I’ll have to go more lol