Presented by: Kari Slade RDH Myofunctional Therapist

Autism and Neurodiversity: Easy Accommodations for Successful Dental Hygiene Interventions

CE Hours: 2 (Online)

Online Date:

Tuesday, November 17th, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Course Description:

This 2-hour course will focus on exploring neurodiversity from a perspective of acceptance and accommodation. Beginning with educating on what neurodiversity is, and implications for perceiving and mediating stimulus; the dental hygienist will learn techniques to manage environmental and emotional stimulation and assist in creating an environment that supports neurodivergence. By creating a foundation of understanding to improve dental hygiene treatment outcomes, the Dental Hygienist will be confident to support positive dental interactions and home care initiatives.

A little bit about me-

I have been a dental hygienist for 17 years, with 6 years of pediatric practice. In 2022, I opened a clinical space with support and acceptance of neurodiversity as a foundation.

I set a goal for creating a safe place for clients who have sensory sensitivities after my son was diagnosed with autism in 2018. Being diagnosed with ADHD myself, creating a positive approach to dental hygiene care and removing the stigma of the dental office being a forceful, fearful experience has always been a cornerstone of how I practice.

I am very excited to share my experiences and some tools and tips I have learned along the way in order to improve the dental experience for all members of the community, but especially those who have sensory sensitivities and require additional care accommodations.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this 2-hour presentation learners will be able to:

Verbalize neurodiversity
Practice identity first language
Understand sensory seeking and sensory avoidant behaviours
Assess environmental considerations and adjust for environmental accommodation
Gain an understanding of 2 types of therapeutic intervention – CBT and ABA and their principals for understanding what motivates behaviour
Integrate tell-show-do, visual scheduling and social stories into their dental practices
Feel confident when educating on oral self care recommendations for neurodiverse adults and children

Recordings

We encourage you to join us live whenever possible so you can participate in the discussion, ask questions and enjoy the full learning experience.

All sessions are recorded and automatically uploaded to your rdhu Members Portal within 2–3 business days—there is no need to request access. You will receive immediate access to the course materials and portal, where the recording, post-test quiz and certificate will be available following the course. Recordings remain available for 30 days after they are uploaded.

Meet Your Presenter

Kari Slade, RDH, graduated from the APLUS Institute of Dental Hygiene in 2007 and is the owner of Something to Smile About, an independent dental hygiene practice in Brantford, Ontario. Established in 2020, her clinic provides sensory-sensitive dental hygiene care and myofunctional therapy through both clinical and mobile services.

Kari is also a clinical instructor at Southern Ontario Dental College and President of the Dental Hygiene Practitioners of Ontario.

Follow Kari on social media at @somethingtosmileabout.

What Your Colleagues Are Saying About This Course:

I work in a pediatric setting with many neuro diverse clients and do utilize some of the techniques taught but I definitely learned so much from Kari today. I plan to implement some of them going forward. I appreciated her professional and personal experiences and great knowledge on the topic as well as the various product suggestions she also provided. Her passion and knowledge of this subject throughout this webinar was apparent and must be greatly appreciated by her clients. I highly recommend this course to all. ~ Mary
Kari was very knowledgeable and spoke passionately about accommodating neurodiversity in the dental setting. I am excited to incorporate some of her ideas into practice. ~ Melanie
This course was Absolutely Amazing! ~ Julie
Great information with practical suggestions for immediate implementation. ~ Linda
This course was very interactive. ~ Sonal
This was an absolutely amazing presentation. Kari's energy and dedication to this subject is contagious. ~ Terry
I thought that Kari was vey interesting to listen too and had some great information to share ~ Nicky