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Autism-Aware Dental Nursing

• Autism is a lifelong condition and presents differently in each person.
• Use respectful language and the terms the patient prefers.
• Do not treat eye contact, spoken fluency, or masking as evidence that no support is required.
• Reasonable adjustments can include additional appointment time, quiet waiting areas, visual step-by-step guidance, a single agreed speaker, written information, planned breaks, and sensory supports.
• Record effective adjustments so the patient does not have to repeat explanations at future visits.

Communication and Sensory Care

• Use clear, concrete language, warn before any touch, agree a stop signal, and allow extra processing time.
• Common sensory triggers include bright lights, background noise, vibration, strong smells, tastes, touch, water, suction, reclining, and the sensation of instruments in the mouth.
• Stimming is often a form of self-regulation and should not be stopped unless it creates immediate risk.
• Carers can offer useful information; however, keep the patient central and maintain confidentiality unless the patient agrees otherwise.
• Provide post-treatment instructions in written, visual, or stepwise formats when needed.

Sedation and Speaking Up

• Sedation does not replace clear communication, valid consent, or appropriate reasonable adjustments.
• Sedation-trained dental nurses support patient preparation, monitoring, recovery, aftercare, recordkeeping, and escalation, within their training and local policy.
• Explain the difference between conscious sedation and general anaesthesia clearly to patients and carers.
• Raise concerns if a stop signal, sensory plan, consent issue, or sedation safety matter is being ignored.
• Use team debriefs and patient feedback to improve appointments and care pathways.