DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH ASD: AN APPROACH BASED IN THE TEACCH PROGRAM

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594692425079

• Palavras-chave: Children, T.E.A, Dental treatment, T.E.A.C.C.H.

• Keywords: Children, T.E.A, Dental treatment, T.E.A.C.C.H.

• Abstract: This study deals with dental treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD are generally resistant to dental treatment and require the dental professional to develop a patient care program that involves their daily life and also their family. In this context, the research focused on the following research question: how can it be possible to minimize or overcome the obstacles encountered in dental care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? To answer this question, this study aimed to “describe the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH) program and present different ways of approaching this program in adapting the environment and dental procedures to meet the needs of children with ASD”. Bibliographic and documentary research was carried out. We opted for exploratory-descriptive research with a qualitative approach. It was concluded that in-depth understanding and the use of appropriate techniques, such as the TEACCH program, can make a big difference in the autistic child's experience and the effectiveness of dental treatment. The professional must have not only technical skills, but also relational ones; one must have planning skills, in preparing the environment in which the patient will be welcomed and the personal support they may need, such as the help of psychological counseling and qualified support from the family.