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Oral Health Care for Autistic Children

Gloria Hai Ming WONG and Phoebe Pui Ying LAM

Recent studies indicate that the prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has risen dramatically over the past decades and a likely trend of continual global surge in autistic child patients.

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Recent studies indicate that the prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has risen dramatically over the past decades and a likely trend of continual global surge in autistic child patients.

Children with ASD have oral sensitivities and daily oral hygiene management could be difficult. In caring for autistic children, it is essential to understand the unique behaviors and other possible comorbid conditions and in particular, to gain the confidence and cooperation of the patient before carrying out a specific oral procedure to ensure satisfactory outcome.

In this course, you will learn the ways to establish trust with children and parents in a dental visit. You will be introduced to effective methods to stimulate positive attitudes and behaviors towards oral health care and application of minimally invasive clinical therapies from evidence-based research and best practises.

Taught by experienced clinical professors and dental practitioners, this course will be a good guide map for all dental practitioners and students, parents and families of autistic children and frontline oral healthcare workers and those in the related fields in bringing a healthy smile to autistic children.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify common dental problems in children with asd
  • Devise minimal intervention treatment planning for children with asd
  • Develop and improve oral self-care skills of children with asd
  • Apply behaviour management techniques with minimal intervention approach
  • After completing this course the learner will:

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by experienced clinical professors and dental practitioners, this course will be a good guide map for all dental practitioners and students, parents and families of autistic children and frontline oral healthcare workers and those in the related fields in bringing a healthy smile to autistic children
Develops and improves oral self-care skills of children with ASD, which are core skills for self-sufficiency
Applies behavior management techniques with minimal intervention approach, which is standard in the medical community for working with autistic children
Examines unique behaviors and other possible comorbid conditions, which is highly relevant to medical professionals working with autistic children
Taught by instructors Gloria Hai Ming WONG and Phoebe Pui Ying LAM, who are recognized for their work in dentistry
Teaches methods to stimulate positive attitudes and behaviors towards oral health care, which is helpful for dental practitioners working with autistic children

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Oral Health Care for Autistic Children with these activities:
Review 'Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers'
Read this comprehensive guide to ASD for a deeper understanding of its characteristics, diagnosis, and management.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book or borrow it from a library.
  • Read through the 'Introduction' and 'Chapter 1: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?'
  • Focus on the chapters relevant to your specific interests or needs.
Explore Autism Speaks: Guide to Autism
Review the Autism Speaks website for an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Show steps
  • Visit the Autism Speaks website.
  • Read through the 'What is Autism?' section.
  • Explore the 'Living with Autism' section.
Compile Resources on Autism Treatment and Therapies
Gather information on various treatment options for ASD to enhance your knowledge and understanding.
Show steps
  • Use online resources like Google Scholar or PubMed to search for articles and studies on ASD therapies.
  • Organize the resources into a digital or physical folder.
  • Consider including resources on specific interventions like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or medication.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Oral Health for Children with ASD
Enhance your communication and teaching skills by creating a presentation that educates others about the oral health needs of children with ASD.
Show steps
  • Gather information and resources on oral health for children with ASD.
  • Organize the content into a clear and logical flow.
  • Use visuals, examples, and case studies to make the presentation engaging and informative.
Role-Play Communication with Children with ASD
Practice effective communication techniques with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Show steps
  • Find a partner or group to role-play with.
  • Assume the role of a dental practitioner and practice using clear and concise language.
  • Incorporate strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
Volunteer at an Autism Support Organization
Gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of ASD by volunteering with individuals on the spectrum.
Show steps
  • Research and identify local autism support organizations.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training sessions and follow the organization's guidelines.
Develop a Dental Treatment Plan for a Child with ASD
Apply your knowledge to create a comprehensive dental treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of a child with ASD.
Show steps
  • Gather information about the child's dental history, ASD diagnosis, and any other relevant factors.
  • Conduct a thorough dental examination and assessment.
  • Develop a treatment plan that addresses the child's specific dental needs and challenges.

Career center

Learners who complete Oral Health Care for Autistic Children will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Dentist
Dentists will benefit greatly from taking the "Oral Health Care for Autistic Children" course. This course was designed to help dentists identify common dental problems associated with ASD, devise minimal intervention treatment plans, and develop oral self-care skills. The course also covers behavior management techniques with a minimal intervention approach, which are crucial for dentists to master when treating autistic children. Taking this course can help dentists provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide preventive and therapeutic oral health care. This course can help dental hygienists learn how to identify common dental problems in children with ASD, develop and improve oral self-care skills, and apply behavior management techniques. This knowledge and training can help dental hygienists provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists work with individuals who have difficulty with communication and swallowing. This course can help speech-language pathologists learn how to work with autistic children who have oral sensitivities and difficulty with oral hygiene. The course covers topics such as establishing trust with children and parents, stimulating positive attitudes towards oral health care, and applying minimally invasive clinical therapies. This knowledge and training can help speech-language pathologists provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to help them improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional skills. This course can help occupational therapists learn how to work with autistic children who have difficulty with oral hygiene. The course covers topics such as developing and improving oral self-care skills, applying behavior management techniques, and working with families to develop home programs. This knowledge and training can help occupational therapists provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with students with disabilities to help them learn and develop. This course can help special education teachers learn how to work with autistic children who have difficulty with oral hygiene. The course covers topics such as understanding the unique behaviors and challenges of autistic children, developing and implementing individualized education plans, and working with families and other professionals. This knowledge and training can help special education teachers provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Behavior Analyst
Behavior analysts work with individuals of all ages to improve their behavior. This course can help behavior analysts learn how to work with autistic children who have difficulty with oral hygiene. The course covers topics such as assessing behavior, developing and implementing behavior intervention plans, and working with families and other professionals. This knowledge and training can help behavior analysts provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Caregiver for an Autistic Child
Caregivers for autistic children often have to provide a significant amount of care for their children, including helping them with oral hygiene. This course can help caregivers learn how to identify common dental problems in autistic children, develop and improve oral self-care skills, and apply behavior management techniques. This knowledge and training can help caregivers provide better care for their children and improve their quality of life.
Parent of an Autistic Child
Parents of autistic children often have to provide a significant amount of care for their children, including helping them with oral hygiene. This course can help parents learn how to identify common dental problems in autistic children, develop and improve oral self-care skills, and apply behavior management techniques. This knowledge and training can help parents provide better care for their children and improve their quality of life.
School Nurse
School nurses provide health care to students in schools. This course can help school nurses learn how to identify common dental problems in autistic children, develop and improve oral self-care skills, and apply behavior management techniques. This knowledge and training can help school nurses provide better care to autistic children and their families.
Family Physician
Family physicians provide medical care to people of all ages. This course may be useful for family physicians who want to learn more about the oral health needs of autistic children.
Pediatrician
Pediatricians provide medical care to children. This course may be useful for pediatricians who want to learn more about the oral health needs of autistic children.
Neurologist
Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. This course may be useful for neurologists who want to learn more about the oral health needs of autistic children.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders. This course may be useful for psychiatrists who want to learn more about the oral health needs of autistic children.
Social Worker
Social workers help people with a variety of social and emotional problems. This course may be useful for social workers who want to learn more about the oral health needs of autistic children.
Counselor
Counselors help people with a variety of mental health issues. This course may be useful for counselors who want to learn more about the oral health needs of autistic children.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Oral Health Care for Autistic Children.
Provides practical guidance for parents and professionals on how to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Provides practical guidance for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Provides a comprehensive overview of autism spectrum disorder, including its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

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