Search

Self-injurious behaviour (SIB) is deliberate harm to the body without suicidal intent, often involving repetitive actions that cause tissue damage. Autism is one such condition wherein the patients show self injurious tendency at some time in their lives. SIB may produce factitial injuries, 75% of which are located in the head and neck region. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the awareness of the paediatrician, about the role of dentist in intercepting this SIB and hence to determine whether interdisciplinary approach is being optimally harnessed for the betterment of the patient. A total of about 100 paediatricians were surveyed in a paediatric conference held in Mangalore, wherein a self administered questionnaire regarding the SIB in autism was given. It was found that 90.3% of the paediatricians were of the view that the incidence of SIB in autism was about 25 - 50% and the majority of the paediatricians were unaware of the role of dentist and the various appliances used for the interception of the SIB in individuals with autism. Continuing dental education (CDE) programmes for the paediatricians and continuing medical education (CME) for the dentists should be emphasised to create awareness so as to make the utmost use of the interdisciplinary participation to benefit not only the clinicians in terms of knowledge and awareness but also to benefit the patient in terms of providing a comprehensive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]