How Willo Helps Neurodivergent Kids Build Independent, Stress-Free Brushing Routines
For many families of neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults, toothbrushing is not just another part of the daily routine. It is often one of the hardest. Sensory challenges, motor planning needs, and the emotional load of daily transitions can turn brushing into a battle that parents eventually stop choosing altogether.
At Willo, we believe that a more independent, more regulated brushing experience is possible. Our recent case study with neurodivergent children and teens – including insights from parents, and a generative language therapists – shows just how transformative that experience can be.
Below, we share real testimonials (featured exactly as written) and the key learnings that emerged from this work.
The Challenge: Toothbrushing Is One of the Hardest Routines for Neurodivergent Families
Parents and practitioners told us the same thing: toothbrushing is often overloaded with sensory, motor, and emotional demands.
- Kids protest or avoid the bathroom entirely
- Brushing becomes rushed or inconsistent
- Parents feel like they are constantly “nagging,” which increases stress for everyone
- Dentists often flag plaque buildup, gum issues, or cavities
This cycle can feel impossible to break, which is why creating an easier, more autonomous brushing experience matters.
The Willo Difference: Independence Without the Battle
Willo’s automatic brushing motion and built-in timer help remove pressure from families while giving kids a sense of control. Our case study focused on how neurodivergent individuals responded to Willo during real at-home routines, and what emerged was consistent across ages:
- Higher willingness to brush
- Improved cooperation
- Increased autonomy and confidence
- Visible dental improvements
- Reduced stress for parents and professionals
These changes did not take months. Many of them appeared within days to weeks.
Real Stories From Families and Practitioners
(Testimonials below appear exactly as provided.)
Kid Testimonials
Switching to the Willo toothbrush has been a game-changer for my oral health. My gums are much stronger now, and they don't bleed anymore. It's incredible! I love how easy it is to switch between the different modes, and it does an amazing job getting to the back of my teeth. It leaves them feeling so smooth. I've already recommended it to a friend facing similar challenges. He immediately said he wants one! Overall, it's so easy to use. The different modes help me to get out of the door quickly in the morning. I asked Willo if I can ambassadate for them!— 13-year-old boy (C)
Parent Testimonials
The built-in timer is a wonderful feature that ensures my son doesn't rush through his brushing routine. He finds Willo fun. At his last checkup, his dentist was thoroughly impressed with his oral hygiene and overall oral health! His dad and I are wildly happy with Willo.-- C's Mum
Specialist Testimonial for parents
Parents of neurodivergent kids, teens and adults know all too well the load of daily routines. Toothbrushing can feel like a battle that you end up choosing not to have during the chaos of school mornings or the exhaustion at bed time.
As a generative language therapist (or therapist, tutor and / or coach) who works with different neurodivergent profiles and ages, I got the chance to introduce Willo to my clients. Many of them struggle with anything new and often need a high-level of individualization in their therapy and education. So, I was a little skeptical at first, but optimistic because my clients often surprise me!
Though I was there if families needed any help with Willo, parents were actually the ones to introduce their kids to the system. These families all agreed that their kids weren't cooperative; they typically protested or negotiated when it was time to brush their teeth. But, after just one week of using Willo, I was gobsmacked to hear how easy it was for them to willingly choose to brush their teeth! One of my clients brushed his teeth five times in one day and another was inspired to create a 3D image of the Willo!
Both saw their dentists after 6-8 weeks of using the Willo, and both dentists reported significant improvement in oral hygiene and overall oral health! Willo is a gamechanger for bringing independence and a sense of autonomy to the lives of my clients!
Parents and therapists working with neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults saw long-standing toothbrushing battles transform into independent, motivated routines with significant dental improvement after just a few weeks of using Willo.
Specialist Testimonial for other practitioners
For practitioners who walk with neurodivergent individuals, toothbrushing often functions as a critical context for intervention. It's frequently correlated with different types of interfering behaviors. You might see tantrums, protests, and even attempts to run away from the bathroom. For many of your clients, oral sensitivity issues, and insufficient autonomy can look like opposition, defiance or demand avoidance.
As a generative language therapist, I had the opportunity to pilot the Willo system with my clients. I see a diverse range of neurodivergent learning profiles and ages, but all are generally resistant to change and novelty, and all require a high level of individualization. I was a little skeptical of Willo but optimistic that my clients would surprise me, as they often do!
While I was available if any challenges came up, I used a parent-mediated approach in which families selected how they wanted to gradually introduce their kids to Willo. Some kids immediately started using Willo with minimal modeling and instruction, and others benefitted from a gradual shaping procedure.
Within one week, kids were voluntarily using it. Families figured out ways to promote dignity and assent in ways that worked for them and cooperation significantly improved. One client chose to brush his teeth five times in one day and another was so inspired by the engineering of the device that he created a 3D rendering of it!
Following 6-8 weeks of using the Willo, those same clients visited the dentist, and both reported significant improvements in oral hygiene and overall oral health. Willo has so much potential to be used in a parent- or therapist-mediated context. It was a game changer for bringing more independence and autonomy to the lives of my clients!
What This Case Study Shows Us
Across families and clinical settings, key patterns emerged:
1. Kids became more willing to brush
One child brushed five times in a single day simply because he wanted to. Families reported that long-standing resistance began to soften once Willo became part of the routine.
2. Resistance dropped dramatically
Parents shared fewer protests, less negotiation, and more calm, predictable transitions around brushing time.
3. Independence improved
Willo’s structure – automatic brushing, a guided cycle, and hands-free design – supported autonomy and reduced how much hands-on help kids needed from parents or caregivers.
4. Parents felt real relief
Daily conflict eased, and routines became simpler, calmer, and more consistent. Parents described feeling “wildly happy” with the change.
Why Willo Works for Many Neurodivergent Users
Every child is different, but this case study suggests a few reasons Willo can be a strong fit for many neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults:
- Predictability: The same brushing cycle, motion, and duration every time helps reduce uncertainty.
- Gentle, consistent motion: Automatic, guided brushing can feel more manageable than manual scrubbing.
- Automatic design: Reduces motor planning demands and makes it easier to focus on staying regulated.
- Supports autonomy: Kids feel capable and in control, rather than overwhelmed or dependent.
- Parent- or therapist-mediated flexibility: Willo can be used within existing clinical frameworks and home routines.
- Motivating technology: The “cool device” factor and engineering behind Willo often spark genuine interest.
A Brighter Future for Oral Care in Neurodivergent Communities
The goal is not perfection. It is progress, autonomy, and a calmer daily routine.
These testimonials highlight something important: when kids feel in control and supported, brushing can transform from a stress point into a moment of independence. Willo is proud to support families, clinicians, and kids as they build healthier, more confident habits, one guided brush cycle at a time.
