# How do dentists, doctors and hairdressers make visits autism friendly?

> Preparation, visual steps, sensory adjustments, pacing and follow-up that make appointments easier.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-friendly-dentist-hairdresser
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Share photos or a short visual guide before the visit, offer quiet appointment times, and ask families what helps. During the visit, show each step with pictures or a first-then board, explain before touching, reduce noise and bright light where you can, and allow breaks. Short practice visits can build familiarity. Paediatric dentistry guidance supports individualised care for patients with special health care needs.

**Key takeaways**
- **Prepare** with photos or a visual guide.
- Show **each step** with pictures or **first-then**.
- **Explain before touching**; reduce **noise and light**.
- Offer **practice visits** and **breaks**.

## How can families prepare?

Send photos of the building, room and staff, or a short visual story. Ask families about communication, sensory triggers and what helps. Offer the first or last appointment of the day, when it's quieter.

## What helps during the visit?

**Try:**
- Showing each step with pictures
- First-then: first check teeth, then sticker
- Counting down with a visual timer
- Breaks when needed

**Skip:**
- Touching without warning
- Rushing
- Loud, crowded waiting rooms

Visual supports help autistic children understand what's happening and what comes next.[2] Paediatric dentistry guidance supports individualised approaches for patients with special health care needs.[1]

## What about haircuts?

Use the same steps: preparation, a visual sequence (wash, cut, dry, finished), quieter clippers or scissors, a cape the child tolerates, and short sessions if needed.

**End on a good note.** Stop while it's still going well if possible. A positive short visit builds trust for the next one.

## What can we do next?

- [ ] Create a visual step guide
- [ ] Offer quiet appointment times
- [ ] Add a short pre-visit questionnaire

## Common questions

### What are practice visits?

Short visits just to see the room, sit in the chair and meet staff, without treatment.

### What sensory changes help?

Dimmer lights, less noise, headphones, a weighted blanket if the family uses one, and quieter tools where possible.

### Should we ask families in advance?

Yes. A short form about communication, triggers and what helps makes the visit smoother.

## Sources

1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Management of dental patients with special health care needs. https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies--recommendations/management-of-dental-patients-with-special-health-care-needs/
2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.