The Autism Explosion: Myth or Reality

The number of children diagnosed with autism is rising, and public awareness continues to grow. Conflicting reports in the media and literature often create confusion about what is fact and what is fiction. Are there truly more people with autism today, or are we simply better at diagnosing it? This presentation reviews current scientific research on the epidemiology and causes of autism spectrum disorders and demonstrates how these findings inform and impact recommended dental management strategies. The session will bridge current research findings with practical dental management approaches, ensuring participants can apply the latest evidence directly to patient care. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable guidance for treating patients with autism in the dental setting.

Learning Objectives:
- Define "autism spectrum disorders" clearly and accurately.
- Identify at least three typical characteristics of patients with autism.
- Summarize current trends in autism diagnosis and prevalence.
- Compare at least two current theories about the causes of autism.
- Demonstrate two or more evidence-based dental management strategies for treating patients with autism.

  • Course Code:T5
    Note this course code to save time when registering
  • Day:Thursday
  • Time:9:00 AM-11:59 AM
  • CE Credit:3
  • Type Of Course:Dental/Medical Subjects
  • Fee:Free With Registration
  • Location:Solana H&I
  • Audience:
    Dentist Dental Hygienist Dental Assistant Business/Office Team Lab Tech
  • Seating Taken:
    57%
Speaker: Dr. Maureen Perry

Dr. Maureen Perry

Dr. Maureen Perry served as Professor and Director of the Center for Advanced Oral Health at A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) until her retirement in 2025. She completed a 3-year hospital training program focused on treating patients with medically complex conditions, behavioral health issues, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Perry is a fellow of the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities and is a diplomate of the American Board of Special Care Dentistry. She is a past president of the Special Care Dental Association and has served as a U.S. council member for the International Association for Disability & Oral Health. She holds both a Master of Public (Healthcare) Administration and a Master of Dental Education. Dr. Perry has had a 35-year career, both practicing and teaching, in special care dentistry, with a particular interest in working with patients with developmental disabilities. She has conducted research on oral health-related quality of life among people with developmental disabilities and on education in special care dentistry, and has lectured and published at the national and international levels. Her professional service includes the editorial boards of both the Special Care in Dentistry Journal and the Journal of Disability and Oral Health. In addition, she has served as a subject matter expert in special care dentistry for the US Navy (USNS Comfort Hospital Ship), the Hamad HealthCare Corporation of Qatar, and the Republic of Ireland.