April is National Autism Awareness Month.
According to the Autism Society of America, as many as 1.5 million Americans have autism and that number is growing by a staggering 10% -17% annually. As dental professionals, we must be aware of the special challenges in providing oral care to patients with this developmental disability.
|
 The number of American
children diagnosed with
autism each year. For
boys, the number is
higher: 1 in every 94.
Source: Autism Society of America. About Autism.
Available at: www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about _ home.
|
 Tell-Show-Do
The recommended approach to providing care to autistic patients. Start by explaining each procedure before it occurs. Take the time to show what you have explained, such as the instruments you will use and how they work.
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Health Challenges in Autism and Strategies for Care.
Available at: www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/ Diseases And Conditions/Developmental Disabilities And Oral Health/Autism.htm. |
|
Leo Kanner
The American child psychologist who first described autism in 1943.
Source: Pediatric Dental Health. Dental Management of Children with Austism.
Available at: www.dentalresource.org/topic55autistic.html.
|
0 Cures
Though there is no known cause or cure for autism, it is treatable. Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes. With the right services and support, people with autism can live full, healthy, and meaningful lives.
Source: Autism Society of America. About Autism.
Available at: www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_home.
|
 $90 billion
The estimated annual cost of autism in the United States. This includes research, insurance costs and noncovered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, and employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs.
Source: Autism Society of America. About Autism.
Available at: www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer? pagename=about_ home |
Sites to See
To learn more about autism, check out any of these websites:
• American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry: www.aadmd.org
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: www.aapd.org
• Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org
• Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.htm
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DiseasesAndConditions/DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAndOralHealth/Autism.htm
• National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: www.ninds.nih.gov
• Special Care Dentistry Association: www.scdonline.org
|