Special needs & sensory-friendly care
Planned around your child, not the schedule.
Visits planned around your child: autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory sensitivities, medical complexity or simply big worries.
For parents
If a dental visit has gone badly before, you're not alone, and it wasn't your child's fault. Dr. Dawood trained specifically in caring for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and she plans every visit around what your child needs to feel safe.
For kids
“You can bring your headphones, your favorite toy and your grown-up. We'll go slow.”
What happens
Before the visit
A short questionnaire about your child: what helps, what's hard, words to use or avoid. You can also send photos and a quick note about past visits.
A plan for the day
We'll suggest a quieter time, keep the room calm, and use tell-show-do so nothing is a surprise. Bring headphones, sunglasses or a comfort item.
Practice visits
Some kids do best with short get-to-know-us visits first: sit in the chair, meet the team, leave on a good note. Progress counts.
You stay with your child
Parents and caregivers are welcome in the room. You know your child best and we'll follow your lead.
Your child’s dentist
Dr. Fahra Dawood
Residency-trained pediatric dentist with fellowship training in neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Meet Dr. DawoodParents ask
My child has autism and hates new places. Can we visit first?
Yes. Ask for a get-to-know-us visit when you book. Your child can look around, sit in the chair and meet the team with no treatment at all.
What if my child won't sit in the chair?
That's okay. Dr. Dawood can examine young children on a parent's lap, or wherever your child is most comfortable. We'll take it one step at a time.
Do you see teenagers and young adults with special needs?
Ask us. Dr. Dawood cares for patients with special health care needs, and we'll talk through what's right for your family.