How To Brush Teeth For Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Using ABA Therapy Principles

Teeth brushing is a challenge for many kids on the autism spectrum and kids with sensory processing disorder. This is how to brush teeth using ABA therapy principles for our daughter on the autism spectrum. You can do it, just stick with it! If you have an questions be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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[@AngelaJoyful1]

i have OCD, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Mood swings, little bit of Autism and brushing my teeth when i was younger was hard. Good Job Abbie on brushing your teeth. Abbie is Beautiful

[@Earthstench]

My little sister always pushes away, fights back, and clamps her lips shut whenever I’ve tried to brush her teeth. We’ve gotten to the point where she’ll put it on her tongue but after watching this I tried counting down and she actually allowed me to brush her teeth a little. She loves numbers so idk why I didn’t think of this but thank you so much!!

[@KristyTheRN]

thank you soooo much for this video. I am a single mom and this technique has worked for my autistic 3 yr old son. I have been struggling with toothbrushing for a long time.

[@peomastagenuk]

I commented on this video 2 days ago - since then my son's toothbrushing routine is soo much better - I wanted to come back and say that your advice is the reason why it's improving - thank you from the bottom of my heart 💓

[@fatheringautism]

That’s amazing to hear! Thanks so much for letting us know. Congrats on the progress.

[@piixiie31]

You are such an amazing dad god bless you 🙌🏻

[@jordanbachman7615]

Oh my gosh! From Feb until now Abbie has changed so much! How awesome!

[@jaimecohen7584]

Wow as an ABA therapist I have to say you are an amazing father and teacher! Your daughter is blessed to have you! Great video!!!

[@cheryltison874]

My only grandchild is the sweetest little girl that fills my heart with Thanksgiving and joy. I am a retired nurse and was able to pick up on the signs of her autism early. We just got her diagnosed at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN at 22 months. Tolerating her parents looking at me as the enemy was a very heart breaking process. They allowed the process of getting her involved in the TN Early Intervention Program with a lot of anger. The only thing that got me thru the last 11 months was determination that this sweet baby needed someone to advocate for her until her parents were able to do it on their own. My granddaughter's parents and other grandparents thought I was over reacting. When it got hard and stressful my husband even told me to back off but my heart could only push forward until I knew she would be cared for properly. I understood their grief and denial. I started suspecting she had autism when she was very young and by the age of 6-7 months old I was pretty sure😢I read anything and everything I could and held off telling them until she was 17 months. I silently struggled with the grief as I mentally prepared a plan to tell them. I was an RN for 40 years but nothing had prepared me for this. I had anticipated the grief but not the profound anger that just about tore my family apart. To other grandmother's and family members out there please advocate for your little ones. If you see something like a lot of repetitive behaviors or communication issues speak up. Early intervention is crucial. This VLOG is awesome. I only wish I had found it earlier and I so wish I had the wealth of knowledge that your family has accumulated. I know it has not been an easy journey but you make it look easy and organized. I would love to know more about the early days of Abigale. How did you find the best resources and programs? What helped with the feelings of isolation as you navigated the system? Thank you for letting us into your life in such a personal way and providing all the amazing ideas. Thank you for being such a positive force for Autism. You Rock💥High five😀🎈

[@fatheringautism]

+Cheryl Tison Thank you so much for sharing your story and thank you for being such a persistent advocate. Kudos, it takes gumption to do what you did.

[@truthfulpam]

@Mandi I'm so sorry to hear this.

[@ms.anderson6678]

you have a beautiful family yall are very loving parents i have a five yr old daughter with autism and other disabilities, its get very hard sometimes where do you get your patience from you all are incredible parents god bless. 💓

[@O0hhlala]

This video is amazing. My daughter is 3 and she has sensory issues. She will brush her teeth on her own sometimes but she refuses to let us brush them. We will definitely try these techniques. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work. I honestly teared up a little watching this

[@fatheringautism]

+Thepnakhone Nguyen That's awesome! Thanks for sharing and best of luck with the teeth brushing.

[@janetrusso3215]

U are a warm gentle dad. God bless yr family

[@kyriakosgiota2210]

Man you are an incredible dad and person!your family is a bless!

[@franciscoroman4834]

Just now seeing this video years after it was posted. You’re an awesome father. I’m trying to be the same way with my little guy. Thanks for the video.

[@kristenherndon8250]

Awesome video! She's so lucky to have you! I was rooting her on in the last clip. Great job Abigail.

[@fatheringautism]

+Kristen Herndon Thank you! She is doing a great job with it. Thanks for watching!

[@FactsBrakeStupidity]

Abby reminds me so much of my daughter. My daughter has lvl 3 autism with SPD. She will not let is brush her teeth. This video gave me so much hope when I've been feeling so helpless. Thank you so much!

[@VittonLou]

I wish i was as patient as a Father like you. I really find it hard to encourage our son to brush his teeth. He was diagnosed with ASD.

[@peomastagenuk]

This video reduced me to tears, my son is 2 and 3/4s and every time it's time to brush his teeth it feels like a battle - he has yet to be diagnosed with ASD but with his stims and sensory issues you can clearly see it - you give me hope that one day he will be able to do this, thank you

[@cclittles6882]

Let the binge watching begin! Love you guys.

[@lonipop1356]

Thank you so much for being a positive channel on severe autism Abby is so precious I hope to start a channel soon with my aon as well ♡

[@emcruzen7137]

Thanks for this content even if it is an older video I found it extremely valuable. I ordered the tooth brush threw your link hopefully it helps with my kiddos ! Thanks much !

[@ItsRealyReall]

I was thinking this morning about counting down, especially since my Toddler loves to count. Thanks so much for this video.

[@surayaabdul5216]

He is such a loving dad. My son is 4 years old he has autism sensory issues.he bites the toothbrush very hard to brush his teeth.

[@juliekruger5128]

You are so inspiring. Brushing teeth is so difficult and yet I am looking forward to it tonight.Thanks for sharing!

[@fatheringautism]

Julie Kruger That means a lot. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@sunasiamharden]

I needed this video !! My son has SPD

[@DelicateLilFlower26]

You’re amazing , I randomly stumbled on to your page looking for videos on how to help my 4yr son with brushing his teeth. He’s got SPD & he’s on the spectrum! I didn’t realize brushing teeth was part of the sensory , I’m new to all of this. He just got diagnosed! So I’m learning all I can to make his life easier. Thank you ❤

[@fatheringautism]

Glad it was helpful!

[@agrotta1650]

Dry toothbrush bristle in my mouth is like nails on a chalkboard. Even wet bristles is a horrible sensation!

[@shadowhawk4164]

I know the feeling

[@thegracklepeck]

The spin brush for me is slightly better than a regular toothbrush but it's still unpleasant.

[@duariweiss7188]

I have been watching videos for days straight catching up from your first videos forward. The progress I have seen in this short time is so amazing. Abbigail is so lucky to have parents who tirelessly put in the work. I am quite sure it would be easier to just brush her teeth yourself and we'll that was still significant progress. But I love that you are constantly looking forward and preparing her for the future, putting the work in.....so great to see the results you get from all of that hard work. Thanks for sharing!

[@krishnar3493]

Well done dad and daughter!

[@angell4335]

Amazing video! Thx for the amazon link ! U every time give us great ideas ! Sweet little angel 😇! She let daddy to help ! Wow - 👍😇😍❤️

[@vidhyaak]

Amazing dad! Thank you for sharing !

[@jessicalynam7356]

Good job Abbie! She has made a lot of progress in a number of ways. Nice haircut Ace!

[@fatheringautism]

Jessica Lynam Lol, thank you! I was due for one.

[@cgghh7452]

@@fatheringautism nvzmsgavaJaasj

[@kathrynreyna4277]

Awesome helpful skills !! Great job everyone 👍🏻

[@mariner4403]

Very good job Abbie !! She is doing so well. Very good progress! :)

[@redrockasrama7215]

this is a process that requires so much patience and sensitivity. good job

[@fatheringautism]

RedRock Asrama Yes it is and thank you!

[@vpaa9270]

You are an amazing father.

[@AluvsE1]

Just ordered some for my son who has autism. Let’s pray they help 🙏🏼

[@bethanyvaughan4025]

Great tip about the counting down as a timer

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

Happy to have found this video...I just bought the toothbrush for myself. If it works well for me, I’ll see if my partner wants one. We are both independent autistic adults but we both struggle with our teeth for various reasons...for us it’s more the toothpaste, but I have a physical disability and a very small mouth that has fragile gums, I suppose I need to go brush my teeth now 😜

[@latrailroberson5773]

Thank you for sharing I needed this to help with my 12 year old autism daughter. I'm going to try this

[@mollypeters123]

thank u for helping me brush my teeth, my sensory issues have gotten worse recently and this have helped

[@piixiie31]

Omg I love this 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kerenespinoza7246]

Thank you for this video I will try this approach!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Awesome Job, Asa and Abbie!

[@fifteenq9102]

The more I watch your videos the more I realise Abbie and Em (my daughter) are similar. I just wish I had found your vids sooner. If I had found them sooner we perhaps would not have some of the issues we have now. I have to use a silicon sleeve type brush that goes onto,my finger as well as tasteless and odourless toothpaste that we have to order online from the USA (were in the UK). How does Abbie respond to dental appointments? I can not get my daughter to comply at all, she will not open her mouth for all the tea in China. You keep posting and I’ll keep watching Warmest regards from the uk

[@dochollywood79]

Bless you dad.

[@reinegiseleake5093]

great job Abi!! Teach personal hygiene to autistic kids it's a real struggle.That last brush teeth is amazing. 😄😄

[@fatheringautism]

+Reine Gisèle Aké We are so proud of her. She works so hard for even the simple things.

[@reinegiseleake5093]

I see that. She's amazing. Here we say " Guy, the road is open!!! " She can learn anything she deserves. keep your target guys, and great job to all of your family!!!

[@user-jy6vp1zm9m]

What a pretty little girl. Great tips.

[@ginamoody]

I love how supportive you are. Thank you for posting.

[@fatheringautism]

No, thank you for watching!

[@ahaza9188]

Great job. My daughter is 5 (on the spectrum) and will try to trick me into thinking she brushed her teeth. She fights me hard when I try to help her brush. However, her dad gets her to do it without a problem. I dread toothbrushing time, but will try this brush and the counting technique.

[@bethanyvaughan4025]

Such a beautiful child

[@Classy_Lady23]

Good job dad !

[@sh3g0tswagg]

First of all, she is sooooo beautiful and well taken care of! ❤️ Secondly, you’re an absolute amazing father! Abby is sooooooo blessed!

[@jenndpbudgets]

She looks like she enjoys having her teeth brushed now and it's positive stimulation for her

[@claramyers2980]

Well done Abbie! My brother is approaching adulthood and is high functioning. Problem is he can’t/won’t make hygiene (deodorant, clean clothes, smell, showers) a priority. He wants more independence and has gone to college with these tendencies. HOW can we establish these habits with him? Any ideas?

[@kpeters0910]

Im apart of that page too! Thanks for the toothbrush tip!

[@fatheringautism]

kpeters0910 No problem, thanks for watching!

[@marijee.16]

Thank you.

[@BlancaIngles88]

How awesome 💕

[@Taylor-zu2iv]

Great video :)

[@WXLM-MorganNicole619]

She whips her hair back and forth @ 6:25 and 6:44. If anyone knows that one stupid song that I’m talking about, watching her whip her hair back-and-forth had that running through my head and so I just had to say it.

[@nimalkhakibhutia7690]

You are amazing dad thank you so much for this video 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 love from India 🙏🙏🙏🙏 really helpful for me thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@dancingpixie74sb]

I literally have to hold down my 3 year old to brush her teeth😭 ty for this video!!! And yes my daughter is autistic

[@MelB868]

Have you ever tried an extra soft toothbrush.

[@fatheringautism]

As always, thanks for watching! Keep up with us on Facebook, Snapchat, and twitter. Here is the link for the Baby Buddy toothbrush I showed in the video: amzn.to/2leLpnI All other links are in the video description.

[@flyawaybordeaux]

rocking dad :) you are so cool guys U ROCK

[@fatheringautism]

flyaway bordeaux Thanks a bunch!

[@aymandhanji]

Have you tried the Dr Barman's Superbrush or the Collis Curve toothbrush? - Just came across this, I'm a dentist with a special interest in children and adults with special needs and these seem to work well with my patients!

[@lovemist2610]

What are the cost of these brands and what one would you recommend

[@SpoonieEtte]

Any advice on how I can desensitize myself from HATING the feeling of vibration? As long as I can remember I've avoided any kind of vibration like it was the plaque itself. (ie. the old game consoles that had rumble packs, my brother always had to somehow disable or remove the rumble pack from a controller before I would even fathom playing video games with him and hair dressers can not use any razors around me).

[@stephaniehastie4655]

Love the cupped hand of water. 😎

[@mahtazdin]

Thanks for this video. It help me a lot. With my son. My son has bad yellow tarder. Trying to save him from bad dentist visit. :(

[@TC-jg6ew]

love this one thanks, abby is a

[@fatheringautism]

+taphanies carty Glad it helped!

[@katenedobity]

Abbie is like “no thank you” lol

[@Mamba116]

Any tips for a kid on the spectrum that continues to swallow the toothpaste? He needs to begin using toothpaste with fluoride

[@hellosunshine305]

How does she do at the dentist? Does she let them work on her, or does she need medication to relax?

[@mercedesrborrett2733]

Have you tried to use the U shaped tooth brush, I'm not sure if this is a new type of toothbrush made for kids with sensory needs recently and there is also a non flavoured toothpaste also.

[@mercedesrborrett2733]

I know this video is 5yrs old, but perhaps this could help others. There's also new loop earpieces too for people with ASD/ADHD

[@thetaylorsystem8435]

When I was younger, I didn't like brushing my teeth, so it got to where my mom had to brush my teeth for me and I fought her all the time. I still hate brushing my teeth so I don't do it as often as I should.

[@sothearytouch4419]

Hi I've been starting to watch your video. Just to find a way to help my daughter. She is 9 years old been autism for 8 years. I have been trouble to brush her teeth. She always cry when I help brush her teeth. She wont hold a tooth brush and she doesn't spit a toothpaste out. Can you help me? I can't find a idea how to help her. I tried asking her therapist got no answer. Did not tell me how to help her that I've been asking for

[@KN-ky3ll]

Plz tell me how i can improve and make independant without my help becse she not ready for anything without my presence .she know how do brushing bt not ready witout me. Plz help

[@redtarka]

That toothbrush looks great! I wonder if there's an electric version. I also hate brushing teeth but since I've bought an electric one it's been a lot easier for me.

[@fatheringautism]

That would be great to find a 360 head for an electric brush.

[@LovesDarkBlue]

Does anyone know if this would fit in a more small child’s mouth??

[@rebeccamiller5051]

your vids are soooo helpful!!!

[@fatheringautism]

Great to hear? Share, share share! You never know when someone else might find use of them. Thanks for watching!

[@debbiejordan5154]

#MaassSquad AMAZING FAMILY

[@kateashlyn5004]

She’s so cute and beautiful

[@Will-st1pg]

What do you guys do about dentist appointments, teeth cleaning and braces or other orthodontic work?

[@fatheringautism]

+Will M Sadly, Abigail has never been to a dentist. We've lost hope for finding a dentist that accepts her insurance that will do sedation dentistry so it will be entirely out of pocket. Very soon she will be having her first dentists visit and we are not looking forward to it. She doesn't do well being put under because she doesn't understand what's happening but it's the only way to go.

[@Will-st1pg]

I hope her appointment goes okay, i know lots of the time its very hard for kids with developmental disabilities to brush teeth, let alone visit a dentist and have work done.

[@garyking5265]

We are going to try this with our grandson who is autistic and will not let us brush his teeth or he won't brush them himself, we have tried bit nothing worked, thank you for sharing your video

[@Roseisababe111]

TBH i'm gonna buy myself that toothbrush because it looks bomb 😂

[@fatheringautism]

+Indica Rose I thought the same thing, twice the brushing in half the time, lol.

[@Roseisababe111]

FatheringAutism Productive and effective! Good find pat yourselves on the back.

[@jayceesanchez4226]

Abbey is so pretty.

[@CD-vl5wr]

You're right autistic kids will fight you tooth in nail about their teeth being brushed boy I wish I would have found this video when it first came out now my son at age 17 still fighting. You know he gets stronger with this fight as he grows but he also gets smarter better late than never I'll see if it works --he learned how to use the bathroom that's another challenging task--thanks

[@elaproluramakotamma5471]

How to do brushing in timely manner

[@annahplays496]

What tooth paste do you use for your daughter?

[@vnsasmlls]

❤️

[@The1Dmitri]

I am currently trying to get my daughter to like brushing her teeth any flavors that abbie prefers?

[@fatheringautism]

+Sol McNally None that she prefers but I've heard from my dentist friends that toothpaste isn't the most important thing. A wet toothbrush is better than nothing and nearly just as good.

[@rileybatty4677]

i hate toothpaste because of spd but i find if you get the very cheep stop brans toothpaste and like a 3-6 year old one and put them together its not to bad but it hurts me so be wary

[@sarastott6686]

As someone with SPD I can’t stand mint toothpastes because they burn and hurt my mouth so I like to use bubblegum toothpaste. There is also a company called toms that makes a very mild organic toothpaste that’s strawberry banana and it is quite nice as well

[@ruru1824]

You would look good

[@sebastianralphs6554]

Fathering Autism, my parents would sing to me when they brushed my teeth when I was little and I am autism.

[@makeupbyclau85]

i have a daughter with spd and autism she dislikes brushing her teeth every night is a hard time she screams fusses. and everytime we get into her mouth she just bites on the toothbrush she has already had 1 cavity fixed and i am really stressed not knowing what else to do to get her to let us brush her. any tips? thanks!

[@fatheringautism]

Makeuplover Just like the video shows. If you force her she will resist. Baby steps.

[@makeupbyclau85]

FatheringAutism thank you! we have tried several different tooth brushes and she likes non. what do you recommened?

[@fatheringautism]

+Makeuplover This is the best one we've found for sensory issues. amzn.to/2lXTJWe The bristle count is higher so it's easier on sensitive mouths but still cleans well. You will have to follow a teeth brushing protocol. If you remember from the earlier clips we highly rewarded every little step until she would fully accept the toothbrush in her mouth. If you jump straight to forcing her to brush you will never get to a point where she is used to it.

[@makeupbyclau85]

FatheringAutism thank you very much. you where of great help.

[@angielewis5697]

Makeuplover have you tried electric vibrating toothbrush?

[@SierenH]

I hate brushing my teeth....weird how i tend to space out when i brush my teeth

[@victoriabaysinger2693]

I'm almost 30 and still struggle with teeth brushing, but I found a silicone toothbrush online and am going to try that. It may work for some

[@thetaylorsystem8435]

I have sensory issues, so I hate brushing my teeth.

[@sylviaoliver5718]

I got artsum and ADHD and I'm 14 years old and I'm a teenage girl

[@fatheringautism]

Sylvia Oliver Welcome to the channel and thanks for watching!

[@sylviaoliver5718]

FatheringAutism do you live in England

[@sylviaoliver5718]

FatheringAutism I live in England do you live in England

[@MelB868]

He lives in Florida

[@bradhorner]

As a child the abrasives in toothpaste made me cringe.

[@sylviaoliver5718]

can you please reply to me

[@fatheringautism]

I replied to your last comment. No we live in the US.

[@ruru1824]

Ever considered growing a beard asa

[@fatheringautism]

I'm not allowed. :)

[@ruru1824]

FatheringAutism 😂😂

[@TC-jg6ew]

amazing typo sorry