(Respect, Communication, and Sensory Support)
1. Speak to the Person First
Many people with disabilities report that professionals talk to:
- Parents
- Carers
- Family members
Instead of speaking directly to them
Why this matters:
- It removes the person’s voice and choice
- It can feel disrespectful and disempowering
- It goes against person-centred care principles
Good practice:
- Always speak directly to the person first
-
Ask:
- “Is it okay if I speak with your carer as well?”
- “What would you like to happen today?”
- Give time for the person to respond (this may take longer)
2. Choice, Consent, and Control
Every person has the right to:
- Make decisions about their care
- Say yes or no
- Be involved in what is happening
Professionals should:
- Explain clearly what they are doing
- Ask for consent before starting
- Offer choices wherever possible
3. Sensory-Friendly Adjustments (Especially in Dentistry)
Many people with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Sensory processing differences
- Anxiety
…can find healthcare environments overwhelming.
Practical strategies you listed (now structured):
Touch and Communication
- Use firm, deep touch (when appropriate and consented)
- Avoid unexpected or light touch that may cause discomfort
Dental Chair Preparation
- Ensure the chair is already reclined before seating
- This reduces sudden movement and anxiety
Light Sensitivity
- Provide sunglasses to reduce bright lights
Sound Sensitivity
- Offer headphones to block loud dental tools
Taste and Texture Sensitivity
- Keep a variety of toothpaste/prophylaxis paste flavours and textures
- Allow the person to choose what feels comfortable
Comfort and Regulation
-
Offer a blanket for:
- Comfort
- Deep pressure calming
- Allow the person to bring comfort items if they wish
4. Emotional Safety and Trust
- Build trust before starting procedures
- Go at the person’s pace
- Stop if they feel overwhelmed
Helpful phrases:
- “You are in control. We can stop at any time.”
- “Let me know if you need a break.”
5. Providing True Care
You wrote: “Provide the person with care” — this is powerful.
In practice, this means:
- Seeing the person as a human being, not a task
-
Respecting:
- Their needs
- Their feelings
- Their communication style
- Adapting your approach to fit the person, not the system
Easy Read Summary Version
Talk to Me
- Talk to me, not just my carer
- Ask me what I want
Give Me Choices
- Explain what you are doing
- Let me say yes or no
Help Me Feel Calm
- Use firm touch (if I like it)
- Let me sit in the chair slowly
-
Give me:
- 😎 Sunglasses
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🛏️ Blanket
Make Me Comfortable
- Let me choose tastes and textures
- Go at my pace
- Stop if I need a break
No comments:
Post a Comment