Oral health challenges facing Dubai children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at home and in accessing oral health care

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the challenges faced by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children and their families in Dubai from three different perspectives of dental care: oral care at home, oral care at the dentist and access to oral care, and to compare the results to their normally developing peers. METHODS: A case-control comparative study of 84 ASD and 53 healthy children attending special needs centres and schools in Dubai including siblings of the autistic children. Data collection was by a survey questionnaire completed by parents or guardians. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that autistic children in Dubai experience more challenges and barriers to oral care than their typically developing healthy peers.