Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - Oral Health Care Considerations

Morning or after lunch appointment to reduce waiting time.
Be knowledgeable about the patient’s specific behavior patterns/problems.
Determine the patient’s developmental age and communicate with the patient accordingly (may use “tell, show, do”).
Try to use the same treatment room, staff, and appointment time.
Try to establish an environment that reduces extraneous noise and movements.
Do not use physical restraints.
Recognize signs of bruxism.
Recognize the presence of tongue thrusting.
Signs of hitting own chin or jaw may be present.
Signs of picking at gingiva or lips may be present.
Signs of self-injury behavior may be present.
Persons with tuberous sclerosis may present with pitted tooth enamel and rubbery noncancerous tumors on or around the tongue.
Be aware of the multiple drug regimen used by individuals with ASD.

Medical Complexity Status - Autism Spectrum Disorders#

See Medical Complexity Status for more information.