Yes. Dr. Jon Wheeler and the Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry team in The Woodlands have more than 20 years of experience caring for children with autism spectrum disorder. We schedule longer appointment blocks to reduce time pressure, keep the same provider and team for every visit, and allow parents to stay chairside throughout. We customize each visit to what works for your child.

Yes, and this is something we plan for specifically. We schedule appointments strategically to avoid peak-traffic times and reduce sensory overload in the office. We use Tell-Show-Do to prepare your child for every sound, sensation, and instrument before anything happens. If your child needs to simply get comfortable with the environment before any treatment begins, we can do that too. Call us before you book so we can talk through what your child needs.

Please do. The more we know about your child before the visit, the better we can prepare. Let us know their diagnosis, what has worked in other medical or therapeutic settings, what has been difficult, and any specific triggers or sensitivities. That conversation directly shapes how we staff and structure the appointment.

Yes, always. Parents are encouraged to stay chairside throughout the entire appointment at Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry. For children with special health care needs, having a familiar, trusted adult present makes a meaningful difference. You are a participant in this visit, not a bystander.

Yes. In addition to our open treatment area, we have a dedicated quiet room available for children who do better away from the noise and activity of a typical pediatric dental office. We use it case by case, based on what helps your child most. Tell us when you call to book if this is something your child would benefit from.

Yes. A difficult dental history is something we hear about often, and it does not mean future visits have to go the same way. Tell us what happened. We will build a plan around your child's specific history and go at whatever pace they need. Some children need a few visits just to get comfortable before any treatment begins, and that is completely fine with us.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one for all children, including those with special health care needs. Early visits allow us to catch problems before they become serious and give your child time to build familiarity with the dental environment. If your child is older and has not yet established a dental home, it is never too late to start.

Yes. Dr. Jon Wheeler has cared for children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities throughout his 20-plus years in The Woodlands. We work with families to determine the best positioning and approach for each patient and will discuss any specific physical accommodations needed before your visit.