Brushing and Spitting Skills: A 11 Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching an Autistic Child

Q: How do I break brushing and spitting into small steps?

Split it up: ✅Wet the brush—guide their hand under the tap. ✅Add a tiny bit of toothpaste (or skip it at first). ✅Brush for a few seconds—move their hand gently. ✅Take water and spit—start with water only. ✅Praise each step, like “Shabash!” or “Wow, well done!”

Q: What’s a good daily plan to teach brushing and spitting skills?

Try this: ✅ Morning: Practice spitting with water for 5 minutes (e.g., spit into a cup or sink). ✅ Evening: Use the brush for a few seconds, guiding their hand, then help them spit water. Keep it short and fun, building up over time.

Brushing and Spitting Skills: Teaching an autistic child to brush their teeth and spit can be a gradual process, but with the right plan, tools, and encouragement, it’s achievable. Here’s a daily plan and detailed steps, complete with picture ideas to make it engaging.

A Simple Daily Plan : Brushing and Spitting Skills

Morning: Practice spitting with water (5 minutes).
Evening: Try brushing for a short time, guiding them to spit.
Reward: Say “Shabash!” or give a small treat for every small success.
Gradual learning builds independence—every child progresses at their own pace, so stay patient.

Step 1: Understand Your Child’s Needs

Ask yourself: Does the toothbrush texture bother them? Are they sensitive to toothpaste taste? Do they struggle with spitting or following directions? Tailor your approach based on their unique preferences and challenges. For nonverbal kids or those with sensory issues, introduce each part slowly.

Step 2: Gather the Right Tools

Pick supplies that work for your child:

Toothbrush: A small, soft-bristled brush or silicone finger brush for sensitive mouths.
Toothpaste: Mild, unflavored, or a flavor they enjoy (start with a rice-grain size).
Cup and Sink: A colorful cup or low sink for fun and easy access.
Visual Aids: A picture chart showing “brush” and “spit” steps.

Step 3: Introduce the Concept Slowly

Don’t rush into brushing. Let them get comfortable first:

Hold and explore the toothbrush with no pressure.
Show the toothpaste tube—let them smell or touch a bit.
Play a spitting game with water (e.g., spit into a cup together).

Step 4: Model the Behavior

Show them how it’s done:

Brush your teeth, saying, “I’m brushing—up and down!”
Spit with a big “Pfft!” into the sink and smile.
Ask them to try, but keep it low-pressure—they learn by watching.

Step 5: Teach Spitting Separately

Start with spitting alone:

Give them a glass of water and say, “Spit!”
Demonstrate by taking water in your mouth and spitting into the sink.
When they spit, cheer “Wow, well done!” and offer a reward (e.g., a sticker).

Step 6: Break It Into Small Steps

Teach brushing and spitting in stages:

Wet the Brush: Guide their hand under water.
Brush: Move the brush on their teeth for a few seconds.
Spit: Take water and spit into the sink.
Praise each step—“Great job!”—even if they don’t finish.

Step 7: Use Less Toothpaste

Start small:

Use a rice-grain amount of toothpaste (safe if swallowed).
Or brush with water first to focus on spitting.

Step 8: Simple Commands and Demonstration

Keep it clear:

Say, “Brush, then spit,” while showing them.
Brush and spit yourself, then ask them to copy.

Step 9: Use a Mirror

Stand together in front of a mirror:

Let them see you brush and spit.
Guide their hand as they try—it helps them connect the action visually.

Step 10: Create a Routine

Practice daily:

Brush every morning and night at the same time.
Encourage spitting each time—consistency builds habits.

Step 11: Make It a Game

Turn spitting into fun:

Say, “Hit the sink target!” and let them aim.
Or spit into a cup, then dump it in the sink together.

More Tips

Comfortable Toothbrush: Use a small, soft brush that fits their mouth.
Minimize Discomfort: Don’t worry if they swallow at first—use less toothpaste.
Visual Cues: Show a picture chart (brush → water → spit).

Final Thoughts

Learning to brush and spit takes time, but small wins—like spitting once or holding the brush—lead to independence. Be patient, stay positive, and celebrate every step. You’re not just teaching a skill—you’re building their confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Why is teaching brushing and spitting challenging for an autistic child?

Many autistic children face sensory sensitivities—like discomfort with toothbrush textures or toothpaste taste—or struggle with motor skills and understanding instructions. Every child is unique, so challenges vary, but patience and a tailored plan can make it easier.

How do I break brushing and spitting into small steps?

Split it up:
✅Wet the brush—guide their hand under the tap.
✅Add a tiny bit of toothpaste (or skip it at first).
✅Brush for a few seconds—move their hand gently.
✅Take water and spit—start with water only.
✅Praise each step, like “Shabash!” or “Wow, well done!”

What if my child struggles with spitting?

Teach spitting separately first. Give them a glass of water and say, “Spit!” Show it by taking water in your mouth and spitting into the sink. Make it a game—aim for a “target” in the sink or a cup. Reward them with a sticker or a cheer when they try.

Can a mirror help with the teaching of brushing and spitting?

Yes! Stand with them in front of a mirror. Brush and spit while they watch themselves and you. It adds a visual cue, making it easier to understand the actions.

What’s a good daily plan to teach brushing and spitting skills?

Try this:
✅Morning: Practice spitting with water for 5 minutes (e.g., spit into a cup or sink).
✅Evening: Use the brush for a few seconds, guiding their hand, then help them spit water.
Keep it short and fun, building up over time.