New oral health resource for parents of children with autism

The National Museum of Dentistry recently launched a health resource created to empower parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder. The guide, Healthy Smiles for Autism, uses step-by-step instructions, social stories and visual sequencing cards to help parents teach children with autism how to brush and floss. The guide also provides information to help parents prepare their children for their first dental visit.

The museum partnered with Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders and the University of Maryland Dental School to develop the best practices featured in this resource.

The free guide gives parents the tools they need to help their children develop good oral hygiene practice. Henry Schein Cares, the Global Corporate Social Responsibility program of Henry Schein Inc., Blakeslee Advertising and a gift from Dr. Irwin and Lucia Smigel made this important resource possible. Parents can visit healthysmilesforautism.org to download the guide.