Brushing one’s teeth can require coordination of several different skills at one time. It encompasses fine motor, control, and comprehension of sequences. For some children, this can be a difficult task to form, which is why we use various shaping procedures, visuals (step-by-step and Apps) and techniques to help teach the skill, but also overcome any sensory issues that may be impacting the acquisition.
This skill composition can take time and patience as you may encounter behaviours, resistance, and sensory processing issues that all may need adaptations to continue to support the learner in evolving the skill. Everyone is different, so there isn’t one specific approach that will be effective for all.
A few things to keep on your radar and to take into consideration as you start to teach brushing teeth are as follows:
- Leverage high reinforcers to increase the motivation and remain on-task
- Model with the learner so that they can see exactly what is expected
- Use visuals and timers to keep them on track and cue them for what is next (fading intensive teaching is key for generalization and independent skill retention!)
- Trail different toothpastes (flavours may impact the way in which they experience brushing)
- Start slow and lessen demands; increase expectations as good habits start to form (*end on a positive note*)
- Have fun and stay positive – sing songs, use social stories and make it as enjoyable as possible