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Objective: This cross-sectional study analyzed the socio-psychological need for orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its association with deleterious oral habits., Methods: Children/adolescents aged 6-14 years old, with and without ASD, and their respective caregivers were included. Caregivers completed a questionnaire addressing children and adolescents' deleterious oral habits. To assess the socio-psychological need for orthodontic treatment, we utilized the aesthetic component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN). Caregivers and an orthodontist independently used the standardized IOTN aesthetic attractiveness scale containing ten intraoral photographs and compared them with the most similar condition of the child/adolescent. Data collection occurred at two universities in northeastern Brazil and at an ASD referral center. Statistical analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-squared tests with linear trend (α5%)., Results: The study involved 144 participants, evenly divided into two groups (ASD and non-ASN). The ASD group showed higher average IOTN-AC scores as evaluated by both professionals (mean score = 4.78 [± 2.34], p = .182) and caregivers (mean score = 4.31 [± 2.71], p = .992). Caregivers reported notably elevated IOTN-AC scores in cases where onychophagy was absent (p = .049)., Conclusions: Patients with ASD are indicated as having a relatively higher socio-psychological need for orthodontic treatment., (© 2023 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Caregivers play a crucial role in assessing the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of young individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aim: This study assessed the impact of sociodemographic and oral conditions on OHRQoL and family dynamics in young individuals with and without autism, as perceived by guardians. Design: This comparative cross‐sectional study included young individuals aged 6 to 14 years and their guardians. Data were collected at a specialized institution and dental schools. Guardians completed the Parental‐Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P‐CPQ), Family Impact Scale (FIS), and sociodemographic and oral habits questionnaires. The sociopsychological need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Results: The sample included 144 youths and caregivers. The ASD group had higher P‐CPQ and FIS scores. Factors associated with poorer perceived OHRQoL included higher youth age, lower caregiver education, higher IOTN scores, teeth clenching (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01–1.41), and lip sucking. Lower parental education (RR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.10–2.80) and higher IOTN scores from the caregiver's perspective impacted family dynamics. Conclusion: Caregivers of young individuals with ASD perceived a lower OHRQoL, and families in this group were more affected by sociodemographic and oral conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]