IMPROVING THE PROVISION OF DENTAL CARE TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Аннотация

Childhood autism is a special form of impaired mental development with uneven formation of various mental functions, with peculiar emotional-behavioral, speech and sometimes intellectual disorders. Early childhood autism has been identified and studied by specialists in various fields around the world for more than half a century. Autism spectrum disorders interfere with many aspects of daily life and can interfere with access to dental care, often limiting it to emergencies only. Poor oral health has long-term negative consequences on health status and the acquisition of oral habits such as mouth breathing and grinding, or correct speech skills. Children with ASD may be fearful of visiting the dental office, which is rich in sensory stimuli and requires physical contact. Because of their behavioral manifestations, they pose a challenge to dentists and hygienists.