Abstract
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Autism Societyof Malaysia. The objective of the study was to report the physical health status ofchildren with autism in Malaysia. Sixty–nine children participated in study. Each childunderwent a routine medical and oral health examination. Significant variation in weight,and oral health status was observed in the participants. As per CDC weight chart, 17%of the study populations were observed to be obese, 4% were overweight and 9% wereunderweight. Participants were also screened for routine medical examination for lung,heart and abdomen abnormalities. All were reported normal except 25% of study groupshowed low blood pressure. An examination of the oral health status of the participantsrevealed that 35% had plaque; 7% had calculus and 25% showed caries.
Highlights
The objective of this study is to assess medical and oral health status of children with autism in Malaysian population and to help them by giving feedback to their caregiver
Though research has been conducted in this area, the condition of autism is not fully understood and very little is known about the modifiable risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (Henshaw, 1998)
Further researches on variation in blood pressure in autistic children will be recommended
Summary
The objective of this study is to assess medical and oral health status of children with autism in Malaysian population and to help them by giving feedback to their caregiver. The term Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) encompasses Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The latter is commonly known as autism (Johnson et al, 2007; Leo, 1971). Rosser and Frey reported that autistic children spent less time in moderate activity compared to normal children. Since children with autism tend to consume more sugary and starchy foods this may have some effect on oral health status we have done oral health screening for plaque, caries and calculus in study group. The study investigates medical and oral health status of children with autism in Malaysian population
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