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‘Neurodiversity’ is a term used to describe people with neurological variation; this includes people with autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies have shown an increased prevalence of malocclusion and dental trauma in people with these conditions. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding around such neurological differences can create barriers when accessing orthodontic care. The aim of this article is to raise awareness around the subject and to suggest reasonable adjustments to practice which may subsequently be used by the orthodontic team to improve the patient experience.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: Recognition of neurodiversity and the need to make reasonable adjustments to orthodontic care may aid compliance and improve outcomes in this group of patients.
Article
Neurodiversity is a relatively new term used to recognize neurological differences as human variation rather than abnormality.1 Several conditions are described as neurodivergent, including dyspraxia, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 1 in 7 people is thought to be neurodivergent.2 Some neurodivergent conditions have an increased incidence of malocclusion and dental trauma.3,4,5,6 Unfortunately, affected individuals may have limited access to orthodontic treatment owing to the associated anxiety, failure to comply with instructions and behavioural difficulties with which these variations often present.3,4,7,8 Neurodivergent patients may be labelled as non-compliant if the orthodontic team employ the same communication and education tools as for those patients with routine needs. There is limited literature available to the orthodontic team to support treatment of neurodivergent patients. This article provides information about commonly encountered neurodivergencies and their potential impacts on treatment. Through education, it is hoped that neurodivergent patients will have equitable access to orthodontic care and be assured of the best possible treatment outcomes.
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