Special Needs Research Paper: Autism

Sheri Gutch

Indian Hills Community College

DHY 176

Jody Williams

Due Date: 1/17/2019

 Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect a wide range of neurologic disorders. The

range of symptoms, signs and severity can vary tremendously in each person. Some common

signs can include: difficulty with personal interaction, challenges involving communication,

struggles with learning, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviors. Autism affects 1 in every 88

children in America, and men have a four to five times higher chance of developing autism than

women (Darby/Walsh p. 930, 931). It is our job as clinicians to know how to treat patients with

autism spectrum disorders and modify the treatment in response to cognitive, physical and

behavioral challenges the individual may have.

There is no known cause of autism, although there are many theories that exist that try to

explain the cause. Some of these influences include: environmental, psychogenic, biochemical,

genetic or neurophysiologic. These influences are known to increase the risk of developing

autism, but this is not the same as being a cause of autism. None of these theories have been

completely accepted. Early diagnosis, intervention and access to support services can lead to

greatly improved outcomes, but autism cannot be outgrown. This can include but not limited to

family, behavioral, speech, occupational and sensory therapy.

Although autism may make oral hygiene difficult at home and a poor diet that consists of

sugars and fermentable carbohydrates can lead to a higher risk for some dental problems, persons

with ASD diagnosis do not exhibit any specific oral findings compared with other patients. Some

practices and techniques that can be used for autism are similar to those used in a pediatric

office. The three approaches used for autism are: communication techniques, behavioral

modifications and pharmacologic therapies.

Communication is required for all those involved in client care: the client, caregiver and

dental staff. All parties involved need to be on the same page for patient care so nothing can be
confused. Behavioral approaches are used for reinforcing desired behaviors and decreasing

unwanted behaviors. Similar to pediatric care the approach, “Tell-Show-Do” is used as a

behavioral technique. Simple language is used to tell the patient what is going to be done, next

showing the patient using pictures, objects or videos is done before doing anything to the patient.

Dental hygienists should try to ease fear by explaining each procedure and instrument to the

patient. Lastly, “do” is put into place, this technique assures that the client is well educated about

what is going to happen to them. The final technique used is pharmacologic therapies, these are

only used if the first two strategies failed. Medications commonly used include: nitrous oxide,

diazepam or oxygen analgesia.

Patients with autism may require the use of many medications, this can result in

xerostomia, which is dry mouth. Treatments such as a salvia substitute, xylitol containing

products or fluoride varnish can all benefit the patient. Dental sealant therapy is also

recommended depending on the client’s level of cooperation. Epilepsy is a condition that often

occurs with autism. The medication used for seizures sometimes causes drug-influenced gingival

enlargement, this can be a concern for dental hygiene care and the accumulation of oral biofilm.

Those with autism exhibit poor nutrition, they have a preference for sweet and soft foods and are

also known for “pouching” the food instead of swallowing it. This can lead to accumulation of

oral biofilm and food debris. Nutritional counselling and plaque-control techniques may be used

for the patient.

As with autism and any other disorder, there are special considerations we as a clinician

need to be aware of. Autism is a disorder of the neurologic system that cannot be outgrown and

is becoming increasingly more evident. Each individual with autism is unique, “If you’ve met

one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism” (Dr. Stephen Shore). There are
many other complications when suffering from autism, their oral complications should not be

one of them.
 References

FAQ | Autism Speaks |. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://faq.autismspeaks.org/info/faq/

What is Autism? - Autism Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.autism-society.org/what-

is/

Walsh, M., & Darby, M. L. (2014). Dental Hygiene - E-Book: Theory and Practice. St. Louis,

MO: Elsevier Health Sciences.