Exploring barriers to oral health care experienced by individuals living with autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects behaviour and communication skills. ASD is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 66 Canadians, with symptoms typically arising within the first 3 years of life. Individuals with ASD present with an increased burden of disease and face heightened barriers to oral care. Objective: This narrative literature review aims to raise awareness of the additional needs that individuals with ASD have when seeking oral care and to identify how barriers to such care may be reduced. Methods: Twenty-one articles were included in this review, with a wide range of study designs and methodologies. Search terms in PubMed, Education Source, and CINAHL databases included autism spectrum disorder, barriers, dental, dental hygiene, developmental disability, oral health, and unmet needs. Results and discussion: Key themes that emerged as barriers to care were behavioural challenges, inhibited social and communication skills, parental dependence, clinic environment, and abilities of oral health professionals to treat clients with special care needs. Conclusion: Current literature reveals that individuals with ASD face numerous barriers when accessing oral care and attempting to achieve adequate oral health, thus contributing to an increased burden of disease. Oral health professionals should aim to improve their understanding of special care populations such as the ASD community and raise awareness among health care professionals to work towards diminishing the barriers to care these populations experience.