DENTAL MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: CHALLENGES AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that demands specific strategies in dental care, due to the behavioral, sensory, and communicational characteristics of affected individuals. This integrative literature review aimed to identify the main challenges faced by dentists in managing patients with ASD, as well as the effective strategies adopted to ensure safe and humanized care. The search was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, BVS, and LILACS databases using controlled descriptors combined with Boolean operators. A total of 10 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were included. The findings revealed that major barriers include treatment resistance, sensory hypersensitivity, and lack of professional preparedness. On the other hand, strategies such as visual communication tools, gradual desensitization, clinical environment adaptation, and caregiver involvement proved effective. It is concluded that successful dental care for patients with ASD requires an interdisciplinary, individualized, and evidence-based approach, with investments in professional training and the development of specific clinical protocols.