PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD): MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR HUMANIZED CARE

Abstract

The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is still not clearly defined and is considered multifactorial. Signs may appear before the age of three and from 30 months of life. The disorder is classified into three levels of complexity and is associated with genetic and neurobiological factors that affect communication, socialization, and behavior. According to IBGE (2025), Brazil has an average of 2.4 million people with ASD, representing about 1.2% of the population. Parents of children with ASD are often overburdened and need trained professionals capable of providing safe and effective behavior management in the dental office, using an ethical approach that avoids stress, anxiety, and discomfort. In most cases, the first contact with the dentist occurs late, but it is essential that caregivers introduce oral hygiene habits early in the child’s routine.Dental care for patients with ASD must be personalized. The team must always be prepared to handle possible family resistance and the individual characteristics of each patient. Ideally, the environment should have fewer stimuli, shorter appointments, and strategies that provide comfort. Multidisciplinary follow-up is extremely important, with the goal of improving quality of life and building a trusting relationship between both parties.The dentist must be flexible with necessary adaptations, and parents should be familiar with the techniques used, avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings. These methods are essential for treating patients with ASD and range from basic to advanced approaches, being indicated for elective appointments, immediate diagnoses, urgent treatments, and situations with low cooperation.