Dental Management of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Over the last few years there has been a growing interest to cater to the requirements of Children with Special health care needs, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by limited communication skills and an obsessive need for structured patterns. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Children with ASD are at a high risk for developing dental caries as they are dependent on their caregivers or parents for the maintenance of oral hygiene. These children do not behave positively to sudden changes in their environment thus a dental operatory might be intimidating to them. A thorough understanding of the individual's needs of these patients along with combining various behavior management techniques will help make their dental treatment a pleasant one. This articles reviews literature on the etiology and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder with a special emphasis on the health status and issues encountered while treating these children. This study also is an update on the various modalities to manage a child with ASD in the dental clinic.