SEAGO and a Child on the Spectrum: A Story of Understanding

Title: SEAGO and a Child on the Spectrum: A Story of Understanding

In our daily work, there are certain moments that reach through the computer screen, gently touch our hearts, and give us a completely new perspective on the meaning of what we do.

On January 2, 2024, a mother named Anne (pseudonym) purchased her first SEAGO electric toothbrush on Amazon. What seemed like an ordinary order was the beginning of an extraordinary story.

During a subsequent conversation, we received this message from Anne:

“My son is autistic and will only use the ultra soft toothbrush heads... It has been a struggle. Can you help?”

This was more than just a product inquiry; it was a careful plea for help from a mother. For her son, who is around ten years old and has autism, brushing his teeth is far from a simple "brush and go" task.

Understanding the Sensory World of a Child on the Spectrum

Autism, medically referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects how a child processes information from the outside world—like sounds, touch, and tastes. Many autistic individuals experience sensory sensitivity or sensory overload.

What this means:

• A touch that feels gentle to us might feel like sandpaper to them.

• A sound that seems normal to us might sound like thunder to them.

• They rely heavily on set routines and familiar objects to feel secure. Even a small change can cause significant anxiety and fear.

So, when Anne's son decided that SEAGO's ultra-soft brush heads were the only "right" and safe choice, it was a decision made by his entire sensory system. As Anne told us:

“Your extra soft toothbrush heads are gentle enough to not only clean his teeth, but it does not send him into sensory overload like other brands.”

Our Design Intent vs. a Unique Need

It's important to note that our standard SEAGO brush head pack is thoughtfully designed with four brush heads: two Ultra-Soft and two Daily Clean. The intention is to encourage a comprehensive oral care routine—using different brush heads can help achieve the best cleaning results for various needs. However, for Anne's son, this well-intentioned variety presented a challenge. His sensory sensitivity meant that only the Ultra-Soft heads felt safe and acceptable.

Our Response: A Commitment to Support

After understanding the unique nature of the situation, our team quickly reached a consensus: our goal was to support this child's hard-won brushing routine and his inner peace.

We decided to provide Anne and her son with five sets (10 total) of ultra-soft replacement brush heads free of charge—enough to last them comfortably for over a year.

When we shared this decision with her, her reply touched us deeply:

“Am I still getting the 5 packs of brush heads?... I'd hate to have to switch to another brand, as these particular heads are difficult to find and any change with my son is absolutely terrifying.”

Her Hope is Our Hope

What moved us even more was that when we asked for her permission to share this story, she gladly agreed and expressed a hope we shared:

“Yes you may share my story. Maybe it will help others to understand more about Autism and how children, even adults can have sensory issues with toothbrushes.”

We are sharing this story today to honor that wish from Anne.

We want to use it to tell all families facing similar challenges: You are not alone, and your needs deserve to be seen and understood.

We also hope this story helps more people understand that some children experience the world in unique ways. Greater understanding fosters greater acceptance; more thoughtful consideration opens another small window to a more comfortable life for them.

Thank you, Anne, for your trust and for allowing us a glimpse into your life. These ten brush heads represent a warm promise between us. SEAGO will continue to be here, committed to protecting every unique smile in the gentlest way possible.

If you found this story meaningful, please like and share it to help spread both warmth and awareness, helping more people understand the autistic community.

Have you or a family member ever relied heavily on a specific item due to sensory sensitivities? Share your own story in the comments below—let's foster a little more understanding together.