16-year dental follow-up of a patient with ASD and other comorbidities: a case report

16-year dental follow-up of a patient with ASD and other comorbidities

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), access to health care is unevenly distributed, and this context is aggravated for disabled patients, among whom the prevalence of chronic diseases is high. Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties in communication and social interaction in various contexts, such as deficits in social reciprocity, non-verbal communication behaviors used in the interaction between individuals, and skills to develop, maintain and understand relationships. Dental treatments and preventive measures in oral health for these patients are a challenge in the clinical practice of dentists. The aim of this case report was to describe the dental follow-up of a patient with autism spectrum disorder and other comorbidities for a period of 16 years at the dental care clinic for patients with special needs at the Faculty of Dentistry, UFRGS. From 2005 to 2019, dental procedures were performed, including preventive measures, restorations, endodontics, and extractions, always preserving the care pertinent to their systemic condition and their difficult-to-manage behavior, providing them with a positive emotional benefit through constant stimuli, inclusion of patient in the dental environment associated with positive reinforcement activities, respecting their limitations. It can be concluded that humanized and individualized dental care with a positive reinforcement behavioral management technique with family support provided to patients with ASD was fundamental to its success, allowing for the necessary treatment and motivating permanent care for their oral health.