From Fear to Cooperation: A Child Life Approach to Desensitization - 2026 LIGHTNING PASS

This session shares research findings from a Certified Child Life Specialist–led dental desensitization program for children with special health care needs. Attendees will explore evidence-based strategies that reduce distress and foster cooperation, with examples from dental care that can be adapted across other high-anxiety pediatric medical environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common sensory, behavioral, and systemic barriers to procedural cooperation in children with special health care needs (SHCN), with specific examples for dental care.
• Describe the structure, implementation, and outcomes of a Certified Child Life Specialist–led desensitization program using validated behavior and fear measures.
• Demonstrate how to apply sensory-based, play-centered desensitization techniques to reduce anxiety and improve cooperation in medical settings (e.g., dental, imaging, lab draws).
• Utilize the Sensory Tolerance Checklist (STC) and other assessment tools to track progress and guide individualized desensitization sessions.
• Adapt program strategies to promote health equity and inclusivity for neurodivergent patients and children.

Suggested Domain:  Assessment, Intervention

Credits: 1.0

Speakers

Stephanie Barta, MA, CCLS - Children's Hospital Colorado

Jennifer Staab, CCLS, MS - Children's Hospital Colorado

Please note: All webinar content and its certificate will expire on June 9, 2029, regardless of when it is purchased, accessed, or completed. At that point, the contents will no longer be available in any form, including as an archive or as a PDU certificate. It is the responsibility of the learner to complete the contents and download and save the certificate for their records prior to June 9, 2029.