Neurodivergent & Autism-Friendly Dentistry Near Tacoma & Lakewood

How I Support Sensory Needs, Anxiety & Non-Neurotypical Brains in the Dental Chair

Hi, I’m Dr. Jacquie Sanders, owner dentist at Floss & Fido – Family Dentistry in Fircrest. I’m trained in engineering, neurobiology and dental surgery, and I care deeply about making dentistry feel safer and more humane for every nervous system — especially neurodivergent and autistic patients. 

If you or your child is autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive, or simply “wired differently,” a typical dental office can feel like too much too bright, too loud, too fast, and too unpredictable. For many of my patients, the problem isn’t just the teeth. It’s the sensory overload, the communication style, and past experiences of not being heard.

At Floss & Fido, we’ve worked hard to create a sensory-aware, neurodivergent-friendly dental home near Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place and Fircrest. This article is my way of walking you through what that looks like and how we can partner together to make dentistry work for your brain and body, not the other way around.

What Do I Mean by “Neurodivergent” in Dentistry?

When I say neurodivergent, I’m talking about people whose brains process the world differently than what’s considered “typical.” That can include:

• Autistic people (on the autism spectrum)

• People with ADHD

• People with sensory processing differences or high sensory sensitivity

• People with anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions that change how they experience sounds, lights, touch, or social interaction

Not everyone loves labels, and not every autistic person has the same needs. But many of my neurodivergent patients tell me the same thing:

“It’s not that I don’t want dental care. I just need the process to be different.”

My job is to listen, adapt, and build a plan that respects your boundaries while still protecting your oral and overall health.

Why the Dental Office Can Feel Overwhelming for Autistic & Neurodivergent Patients

For many people on the autism spectrum, routine dental care is one of the most stressful health experiences they have. Research shows that autistic children and teens have particularly high rates of dental anxiety, with about 68% meeting criteria for elevated dental anxiety in one study.

Common triggers include:

• Bright overhead lights shining directly into the eyes

• High-pitched sounds from drills and suction

• Strong smells and tastes from materials, polishes, and disinfectants

• Unexpected touch in and around the mouth

• Open office layouts where you hear and see other patients in treatment

These sensory experiences can be extremely intense. For some autistic or highly sensitive patients, it’s not just “uncomfortable” — it can feel like a full-on sensory assault. That’s when you might see:

• Freezing or shutting down

• Meltdowns or “fight/flight” reactions

• Refusal to open the mouth or stay in the chair

On top of that, autistic people often have higher rates of cavities and gum disease than non-autistic peers, partly because oral hygiene and diet can be harder to manage when you’re dealing with sensory issues, rigidity around routines, or difficulty communicating pain.

So we end up with a painful cycle:

Sensory overload → Avoiding the dentist → Worsening dental problems → More complex (and scary) treatment.

My goal is to help break that cycle.

Common Challenges My Neurodivergent Patients Share With Me

1. Sensory Overload in the Dental Environment

Many of my neurodivergent patients say things like:

• “The sound of the drill goes straight into my brain.”

• “I can’t stand the smell or taste of the paste.”

• “The texture of gloves, cotton or suction makes my skin crawl.”

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These are not exaggerations; they’re real sensory responses. Studies show autistic children and adults often experience heightened sensitivity to bright lights, sounds, smells and touch in dental settings.

2. Communication & Trust

Some neurodivergent and autistic patients:

• Take language literally (metaphors can be confusing)

• Need extra time to process information

• Get overwhelmed if too much is said too fast

• Shut down if they feel judged, rushed or not believed

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If previous dentists didn’t explain things clearly or dismissed concerns it’s very understandable to arrive already on guard.

3. Predictability & Control

Not knowing exactly what is going to happen next can feel terrifying. A simple, “We’ll just take a quick look,” with no detail might be fine for some patients, but for many neurodivergent patients, that’s not enough information.

You may need:

• A clear step-by-step explanation

• Visuals or “social stories”

• The ability to say “pause” or “stop” and have it respected immediately

4. Past Traumas & “Bad Fit” Experiences

I see a lot of patients who say:

“I wasn’t afraid of the dentist until I had one really bad experience.”

Maybe they were held down as a child, shamed for their teeth, or told to “just deal with it.” For autistic and neurodivergent patients, those experiences can imprint deeply and make every future visit feel dangerous.

My philosophy: We can’t change what happened before. But we can absolutely change what happens next.

How I Adapt Dental Visits for Neurodivergent & Autistic Patients

Here’s how we try to make dentistry more accessible for different nervous systems at Floss & Fido.

1. Pre-Visit Planning (Phone, Email or Forms)

Before you even step into the office, we can:

• Ask about sensory triggers (lights, sounds, smells, textures)

• Ask what helps (headphones, weighted blanket, fidget toy, sunglasses, a support person or service dog)

• Talk about preferred communication style short and direct, visual, slower pace, or more detailed explanations

• Decide whether you’d like a “just meet & greet” visit first, with no tools in your mouth

You’re allowed to say: “I’m autistic,” “I’m neurodivergent,” “I have severe dental anxiety,” or “I’ve had trauma at the dentist before.” This helps us plan a safer, kinder

2. Sensory-Friendly Adjustments in the Operatory

Depending on your needs, we can often:

• Dim the lights or use sunglasses

• Offer noise-canceling headphones or earplugs

• Play gentle music or let you bring your own audio

• Provide a fidget, weighted item or comforting object you bring from home

• Reduce extra movement and chatter in the room

• Limit strong smells when possible

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Research on autism-friendly dental spaces shows that adapting lighting, sounds and sensory input can significantly improve cooperation and reduce distress.

3. “Tell–Show–Do” and Visual Routines

I don’t just say, “Open wide.” I’ll:

1. Tell you what we’re going to do

2. Show you the tool (and often let you touch/hold it first)

3. Do the step, with your consent, and pause if you need a break

For kids and many adults we can use visual schedules or step-by-step pictures to show what will happen in the visit. This “preview” reduces uncertainty and can help your brain feel safer.

4. Shorter, Success-Focused Visits When Needed

Some patients can’t tolerate a long visit at first. That’s okay.

We can:

• Start with short “happy visits”: sit in the chair, look around, maybe count teeth — and call that a win.

• Build up gradually to cleanings, x-rays and more complex treatments over time.

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Studies on autistic children show that behavioral, stepwise approaches and dedicated pathways can reduce the need for general anesthesia and improve long-term dental outcomes.

5. Trauma-Informed, Consent-Driven Care

My commitment:

• I explain what I’m doing before I do it.

• I check in frequently: “Are you okay if we keep going?”

• You can request breaks or ask for a different position if possible.

• If something feels wrong, you’re allowed to say so without judgment.

For some complex cases or when sedation is necessary, I may partner with trusted specialists to make sure you get the safest, gentlest care possible.

Supporting Kids, Teens & Adults Because Autism Doesn’t End at 18

For Kids

With kids on the spectrum or with sensory needs, I focus on:

• Gentle, consistent introductions to the dental environment

• Lots of positive reinforcement and clear routines

• Working with parents/caregivers on home care strategies that respect sensory limits

• Avoiding restraint and instead using preparation, pacing, and environmental supports whenever possible

For Teens

Teens often:

• Are more self-aware of feeling “different”

• May be embarrassed by their teeth or anxious about peers

• Might be dealing with braces, wisdom teeth, or chronic jaw pain

Here, I try to partner directly with the teen, validate their experience, and give them as much choice and control as possible.

For Adults

Autistic and neurodivergent adults are often forgotten in dental design. Many tell me:

“Everyone talks about kids’ autism dentistry, but I’m a 35-year-old who still panics at the dentist.”

Adults deserve:

• The same sensory accommodations

• Direct, respectful communication not baby talk

• A dentist who doesn’t assume “If you’re here, you must be fine with everything”

Whether it’s your first visit in years or your first visit ever, you’re welcome here.

Practical Tips Before Your Visit (For Patients & Caregivers)

Here are some ideas that have helped many of my neurodivergent and autistic patients:

• Preview the visit at home

  • Look at photos of the office and chair

  • Role-play “dentist visits” with a favorite toy or mirror

• Plan your sensory supports

  • Headphones, sunglasses, hoodie, weighted item, chewable jewelry, fidget toy

  • A familiar blanket or stuffed animal for kids

• Share your script

  • Tell us exact phrases that help (“I need a break,” “Please count down,” “Please warn me before water goes in my mouth.”)

  • Let us know words that don’t work for you

• Bring a support person when possible

  • A parent, partner or caregiver who knows your communication style can make the visit smoother for everyone.

• Remember: “Small wins” are still wins

  • Even if all we do is look, talk, and take a quick peek that’s progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism, Neurodiversity & Dental Care

“Do you treat autistic adults, or just kids?”

I treat children, teens and adults. Neurodiversity doesn’t disappear at 18, and neither should accommodations.

“What if I can’t handle a full cleaning the first time?”

That’s okay. We can:

• Start with a basic exam and a conversation

• Do part of the cleaning and pause

• Spread treatment out over multiple visits to avoid sensory or emotional overload

“Do I have to disclose that I’m autistic or neurodivergent?”

You never have to disclose. But when you do, it helps me adapt the visit in meaningful ways from timing to tools to how we communicate.

“Is it true that autistic people have more dental problems?”

Many studies show higher rates of cavities and gum disease among autistic children and young adults, often due to sensory-related brushing challenges, diet, medications, and barriers to regular care.

That doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you it means the system hasn’t been designed with your needs in mind. My goal is to change that, at least for this corner of Tacoma.

Recommended Images & Alt Text (For Your Web Team)

You/your designer can drop these into the blog at natural breaks:

1. Hero Image (top of article)

   • Idea: Calm dental room with dim lighting, headphones on the chair, and a gentle, welcoming feel.

   • Alt text: “Sensory-friendly dental room with dim lights and headphones at Floss & Fido Family Dentistry near Tacoma.”

2. Mid-Article Image (after “Why the Dental Office Can Feel Overwhelming…”)

   • Idea: Close-up of a patient (child or adult) wearing headphones and sunglasses, smiling in the dental chair.

   • Alt text: “Autistic patient using headphones and sunglasses during a gentle dental visit.”

3. Family Image (near the kids/teens/adults section)

   • Idea: Parent with child and dentist talking together, relaxed and collaborative.

   • Alt text: “Dentist, parent and neurodivergent child planning a supportive dental visit together.”

4. Call-to-Action Image (near the end)

   • Idea: Exterior or interior photo of Floss & Fido with a welcoming vibe.

   • Alt text: “Floss & Fido – Family Dentistry in Fircrest, offering autism-friendly dental care near Tacoma and Lakewood.”

Ready When You Are – A Neurodivergent-Friendly Dentist Near Tacoma & Lakewood

If you’ve delayed dental care because of autism, sensory overwhelm, or past bad experiences, I want you to know:

You are not “too much.” You are not “difficult.”Your nervous system is giving you real information — and it deserves respect.

At Floss & Fido – Family Dentistry, my team and I structure visits around you: your sensory needs, your pace, your goals, and your story. We serve patients from Fircrest, Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place and the surrounding communities, and we’re happy to coordinate with caregivers, therapists, or support teams when needed.

If you’d like to talk through your options or schedule a visit:

• Call us at (360) 583-4363

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• Or request an appointment through our online scheduling form on the website

Whenever you’re ready, we’ll meet you where you are one step, one breath, and one small win at a time.