How to Brush Teeth

Question:

How do you teach an Asperger's child to brush their teeth without swallowing the toothpaste? Our six year old still swallows it every time.


My Answer:

I've actually been asked this question several times. The ability to spit out water is like an "instinct" for the N.T. (neurotypical/non-Aspie), but a real motor skills challenge for the typical Aspie.

We've actually had great success on this matter in my family, despite the kids initial difficulty with it, so, insha'Allah (God willing), I thought I'd share my method.

I had mine practice with the cup and water when not brushing. I told them to lean over the sink so that it would "fall out" of their mouth. I demonstrated it two ways: spitting, and then letting it just fall out. (If you leave out the detail about bending over the sink, they'll just drop the water all over their shirt, so be warned!)

I told them that all I want them to do for now is let it fall out. Then, I gave the cup of water and started saying "SPIT IT OUT!" the second it went in their mouth. Of course, they swallowed it accidentally the first several times, me coaching and everything.

I know it sounds like contradiction to tell them to "spit" when what I really want is for them to drop it out of their mouth. But it was intentional, because I wanted them to think that spitting was that easy (as easy as dropping it out). Sometimes the pressure is just too much. So, I look for baby steps and reward them. I expect it to be a teaching session for things like this, unlike NT kids who can just watch you and do it. Gifted children tend to overthink everything, and it can be similar here.

But I kept at it until it was remotely close and considered it a good baby step and rewarded with "Good job!"

The next time for brushing, I did the exact same thing, as though they were learning all over again. It just doesn't come natural, so it takes more instruction!

Consistent, patient.... only yelling was to say, "Spit!" (but they were to let it fall out). Basically, I was teaching them to put water in and immediately let it fall out. It honestly didn't take long for their reflexes to kick in and turn it into a spit, since I would occasionally demonstrate it.

But I think the key is constant supervision until they get it right several times.

Then, once they get it right, you still have to "spot check" their brushing, because they may develop obsessive or bad habits. For instance, my seven year old tried to drag it out into a 15 minute ritual, brush weakly and spit over and over. I gave more specific instructions, and insisted that the process be changed (or there was no way she was going to change one of her new rules lol). So, I think we've finally got it right!! Alhamdulillah!! (All praise is due to God!!)

I think I may have said something like, "If you don't do what I'm saying, I'm gonna brush your teeth for you! It's that important!!" And, uh, they knew I was serious. That seems to be my frequent come-back for the most resistant moments: "Do it, or I'll do it for you!"