How the igo system works

The “igo” social-story books are to be read to your child/ patient before their visit to the dentist. The books can also be, handed out by a dentist prior to a visit or after a “show and tell” visit. All pages in these books are fully laminated and can be wiped down and sanitized with soap and water before and after use. Included in the package are laminating sheets and hook-and-loop fastening circles to attach the photos to the book. After going through the book at home multiple times your child will be ready for their first trip to the dentist. This visual preparation works very well with children and children with autism and special-needs.

The first two pages of the book can be personalized with photos of the office staff and your child's photo. The laminate and hook-and-loop fasteners are included in the book package. There will be optional pictures included; for example, x-rays, bite on tab, etc.,  should a visit require them.

Strips

After familiarizing your child with their trip to the dentist visually, a picture strip can be set up for their visit. The pictures attach to the strip with hook-and-loop fasteners in a vertical fashion, from top to bottom. The backs of the pictures are numbered for ease in setting up the order of the steps. The strip can be brought in by a parent or set up by office staff.  As each step is completed its picture is removed from the strip. When you begin this program, you can say the steps before you do them. For example, “special toothbrush cleans your teeth”. Then, when their teeth are polished remove the picture and place it in the 'all done' bag. Once the child is familiar with the steps you can show them the picture and remove it after the step is completed with no words spoken. This gives the child/patient a visual step-by-step walk through of their entire office cleaning or filling appointment. This communication system is one that children are familiar with and is used within a special-needs classroom daily. You will be amazed at how many stressful visits are alleviated by this visual preparation.

Customization

The first two pages of each book can be, customized by a parent or dentist using the designated squares for photos of the office, patient, and staff. There will be optional pictures included; for example, x-rays, bite on tab, etc.,  should a visit require them.