Today we went to the dentist’s together for your cleaning. I was so proud of you! You willingly went to the chair and sat like you knew the routine.
I could not help but thank God! Thank God your meds finally seem to be adjusted well, after a couple of months of what seemed like hell. It was so hard to imagine that weeks ago, your behaviors were such, whether it was because of your meds being off, topped with bad allergies, +/or a virus … that we wondered if we would ever have a normal day again.
Every time we come to the dentist, I can’t help but remember when you first started going to the dentist as a child.
Unfortunately, we did not tackle the dentist early on with you… it was just impossible. When we finally did bring you, you were about six, and it was because you had an infection.
We knew the pediatric dentist was sent from heaven. He was so gentle and understood not only what you needed but what we needed. We needed to know he cared and had your best interest at stake. He also knew your safety was important.
As crazy as it seemed to us then, he recommended using a bodyboard. It was a flat board with Velcro flaps wrapped around the legs and Velcro flaps that covered and held the arms in place.
I cried, but I knew it was what was needed. As he worked on your teeth, he let me stay with you as I gently placed my hand on you to speak words of comfort and encouragement as he cleaned your teeth and worked on them.
His assistant was amazing too. She made you feel like you were so special as she led us to a quiet room, with a door, for the privacy you needed.
For years to come, you would smile when I said we were going to see Ms. Linda. You smiled from ear to ear the time when we saw her in a restaurant!
It would take time before you would be comfortable enough to do it without the bodyboard. I would cry tears of “Why was it so hard” but also thankful for a safe way to do the process and for such a caring doctor and assistant.
Today you sat in the chair like a pro and let this stranger clean your teeth. You are no longer a child, but autism is savage sometimes and can wreak havoc on you.
I thank God we have crossed another hurdle this week, and you seem back on track.
I love you, buddy, and I’m so proud of you. You are my hero!!
*(I wrote this May 16, 2023, as I sat watching how bravely Sam let the hygienist clean his teeth)
SHEILA BOUCHARD 