doiSerbia

Various techniques of adaptation to dental treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder

Komšić Jelena (Dental Clinic of Vojvodina, Novi Sad), komsic.jelena@gmail.com
Blagojević Duška (Dental Clinic of Vojvodina, Novi Sad + University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dental Medicine, Novi Sad), duska.blagojevic@mf.uns.ac.rs
Petrović Bojan (Dental Clinic of Vojvodina, Novi Sad + University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dental Medicine, Novi Sad)
Vujkov Sanja (Dental Clinic of Vojvodina, Novi Sad + University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dental Medicine, Novi Sad)
Nešković Isidora (Dental Clinic of Vojvodina, Novi Sad + University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dental Medicine, Novi Sad)
Novta Evgenije (University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dental Medicine, Novi Sad)

Introduction. Autism is a severe and lifelong developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and interpersonal communication, as well as characteristic repetitive patterns of interest and behavior. The purpose of this study is to point to the possibility of applying various techniques of adaptation of children with autism to dental interventions in order to maintain oral health. Material and Methods. A multidisciplinary project was carried out by the Dental Clinic of Vojvodina, Special Education School “Dr. Milan Petrović” and the Autism Society of Novi Sad. The following education models were used in the project: behaviororiented models, developmental strategies, therapy based interventions, and combined interventions. The success rate of applied education models and adaptation of children with autism spectrum disorders to dental interventions was examined. The success criteria included the ability to make contact, communicate, cooperate, and perform dental treatment. Results. The multidisciplinary project included 20 active members the Autism Society of Novi Sad and 20 members of the Special Education School “Dr. Milan Petrović” day care program. The results of the study showed a 95% success rate of the most commonly used applied behavior analysis. The success rate of the communication oriented interventions was 90%, while therapy based interventions showed an 85% success rate. The combined interventions showed a 100% success rate. Conclusion. Only integration of several methods, multidisciplinary cooperation and an individual approach to work with children with autism can lead to success in work and adaptation to dental interventions of persons with autism spectrum disorder.

Keywords: Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child, Adaptation, Psychological, Interdisciplinary Communication, Patient Compliance, Psychological Techniques