APPROACH TO AUTISTIC CHILDREN IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a health condition characterized by deficits in socialization and verbal and non-verbal communication; and behavioral. Its etiology is related to genetic and environmental factors. In Brazil, it is estimated that approximately 600 thousand people are autistic. Dental treatment in autistic patients is considered challenging for both parents and professionals. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a Literature Review on dental care in children diagnosed with ASD. A search in the Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar databases was carried out in order to answer the following question: 'What should dental care be like for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?'. The autistic patient needs to be assisted by a multidisciplinary team. It is important that there is an early approach in order to establish contact between the autistic person and the professional and avoid many oral problems, since parents will be instructed to take care of children's oral hygiene. The main pediatric dentistry approach techniques can be used, such as: tell-show-do, distraction, desensitization, voice control, positive reinforcement and modeling. There are some specific methods for autistic patients that help the dentist during treatment, they are: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS); Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH). Therefore, the professional needs to know the main characteristics of the autistic patient, guide parents/guardians and caregivers regarding prevention, brushing techniques and diet; with regard to pediatric dental care, non-pharmacological psychological conditioning techniques and PECS, ABA or TEACCH can be used.