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Tips for treating autistic children

BDJ In Practice volume 33, pages 20–21 (2020)Cite this article

In the UK, 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism1, usually between the ages of three and five years old when deficiencies in social interaction, communication and behaviour are more apparent. There are four times as many boys diagnosed as girls and siblings of autistic children are 18% more likely to have autism themselves.1

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incredibly complex, multifaceted, neurodevelopmental condition1 and its spectral nature means no two children are the same. Public knowledge tends to begin with 'Rain Man' and end with 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time', however patients, parents and their families living with autism may face a host of complex challenges when visiting the dental surgery. 15.1% of children with autism have unmet dental need2 and 70% have co-morbid mental and behavioural disorders; ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression and epilepsy which can all affect oral health and health care delivery.3

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References

  1. Parry J and Shepherd J. The challenges of treating autistic patients. BDJ In Pract 2017; 30: 25-26.

  2. McKinney C M, Nelson T, Scott J M, Heaton L J, Vaughn M G, and Lewis C W. Predictors of unmet dental need in children with autism spectrum disorder: results from a national sample. Acad Paediatr 2014; 14: 624-631.

  3. Autism: the management and support of children and young people on the autism spectrum. (2013). 1st ed. [ebook] National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/documents/autism-management-of-autism-in-children-and-young-people-full-version2 (Accessed March 2020).

  4. Barry S, O'Sullivan E and Toumba K. Barriers to dental care for children with autism spectrum disorder. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2013; 15: 127-134.

  5. da Silva S, Gimenez T, Souza R et al. Oral health status of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Paediatr Dent 2016; 27: 388-398.

  6. Brickhouse T H, Farrington F H, Best A M, Ellsworth C W. Barriers to Dental Care for Children in Virginia With Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Dent Child 2009; 76: 188-193.

  7. Lord C, Paul R. Language and Communication in autism. In: Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, second edition (eds D. Cohen and F. Volkmar) 1997, pp 195-225. Wiley, New York.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Community Dental Services, City Health Partnership - Hull and East Riding, 2 Lothian Way, HU7 5DD, Hull, UK

    Jessica Talbot

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  1. Jessica Talbot
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Correspondence to Jessica Talbot.

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Cite this article

Talbot, J. Tips for treating autistic children. BDJ In Pract 33, 20–21 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-020-0358-z

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