Browsing by Author "Mansoor, Dina"

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Medical and Dental Implications of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review
(2017-05-26) El-Halabi, Manal; Kowash, Mawlood B.; Mansoor, Dina
Abstract: Globally 1 in every 68 child is diagnosed with Autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Autism is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting the normal development and functioning of the brain in three core domains; reciprocal social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors. Typically it appears in the first three years of life and affects males four times more than females but females are more likely to show more signs of mental retardation. Other medical problems can co-exist along with Autism such as psychiatric illnesses, epilepsy; sleep disturbances, feeding problems, gastrointestinal problems and voiding problems. Autism cannot be cured, but the earlier the intervention the better the results. Medications, therapies and behavioral interventions can only alleviate Autism related symptoms and cause substantial improvement. Autism characteristics can have an impact on three different perspectives of dental care, which are oral care at home, oral care at the dentist and access to oral care. This paper aims to review and discuss the literature on the general and oral characteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in order to help the dental practitioners as well as the medical professionals in providing them with better oral and health services.
Oral Health Challenges Facing the Autistic Child in Dubai: A Survey
(2016-08) Mansoor, Dina
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by the autistic children and their families in Dubai from three different perspectives of dental care: oral care at home, oral care at the dentist and access to oral care, and to compare the results to their normally developing peers. Materials and Methods: This is a case control comparative study, of 84 autistic and 53 healthy 2 to 18 year old children who were recruited from autistic children attending special needs centers in Dubai and from schools in the same geographic areas including siblings of the autistic children whenever available. Data collection was by way of a survey questionnaire sent to the parents or guardians through the centers and school administrations. The data analysis was done using SPSS statistical system using frequency distributions, descriptive analysis and T-test analysis for comparison. Results: Significantly more parents of autistic children compared to parents of healthy children reported difficulty across almost all oral care variables explored, including oral care at home, oral care at the dentist and access to oral care. The autistic children experienced more difficulty in tooth brushing at home and needed to be physically restrained for it. Their uncooperative behavior and sensory sensitivities increased more during their dental visits, which discouraged their parents from taking them for regular dental checkups. More autistic children had never been to a dentist before due to their uncooperative behavior. Conclusion: This study indicates that autistic children in Dubai experience more challenges and barriers to oral care than their typically developing healthy peers.