Use of TEACCH as an adjuvant to dental care in a patient with autism

Clinical case report

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include a set of developmental disorders that create obstacles during dental care, encompassing a large part of the indications for treatment under sedation or general anesthesia. Objective: Report a clinical case of desensitisation to the dental treatment of a patient with ASD, through the pedagogical strategy Treatment and Education of Autistics and related Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH). Case Report: Patient J.F.R, 8 years old, autistic, nonverbal and with major cognitive impairment, was taken by the mother to the dental office with toothache. The patient had previous traumatic experience, and went to the office in an emergency situation, with acute pain. Firstly, dental needs were eliminated under general anesthesia. Then, a psychoeducational intervention was planned for the desensitization to dental care. The TEACCH strategy was used, with visual pedagogical guides available for the mother train with the child. After 15 days of guides application at home, the sessions were held in the dental office. In three sessions, the patient felt comfortable, not only to be in the office ambience, but to return to sit in the dental chair. Final Considerations: The TEACCH strategy, through visual pedagogical guides, was essential in the desensitization process to dental treatment of the patient with ASD, since this technique gave predictability to the patient, making him present appropriate and cooperative behavior in the dental office.