Does your child have ADHD or autism? How can you make dental or doctor visits comfortable?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE ADHD OR ASD?

Children with ADHD may struggle to follow instructions, complete tasks, or sit still, said Dr Goh. “They might act impulsively or get themselves into trouble when they do things without considering consequences.”

On the other hand, children with ASD may avoid eye contact, have difficulty with social interactions, repeat words or actions, or be very sensitive to sounds or textures, she said. Or they may find it hard to adjust to changes in routine. 

However, Dr Goh clarified that every child is different and not every one will display those signs. “Like all of us, they have their own unique triggers and situations that can upset them.”

To monitor your child’s development relative to his age expectations, you have to be actively involved in his daily life, emotional coping and socialising – and not just supervising him during homework time, said Lin. She acknowledged that there will be some degree of subjectivity on what counts as impairment, which is why standardised diagnostic testing would be necessary for confirmation.