Atlas · Plate XVII · Patient Management and Special Needs · 07
Patients with disabilities
Adapt the visit to the person. Down syndrome can bring neck instability and early severe periodontitis, cerebral palsy strong reflexes, and autism a need for desensitization visits and steady routines. Face patients with hearing loss, describe each step to patients with low vision, and lock the wheels and swing the armrests away before a wheelchair transfer.
High-yield facts · 7
- Down syndrome: possible atlantoaxial (neck) instability, heart defects and early severe periodontitis; support the head and neck.T2
- Cerebral palsy: support the head, avoid startle triggers, use a mouth prop; the reflexes can be strong.T2
- Autism spectrum disorder: desensitization visits, consistent routines, low stimulation, clear simple language.T2
- Visual impairment: describe what you are doing, guide by offering your arm, keep the area clear.T2
- Hearing impairment: face the patient, lower the mask when possible, reduce background noise, use written notes.T2
- Wheelchair transfers: lock the wheels, swing armrests and footrests away, use a transfer board or two-person lift.T2
- Seizure disorders: know triggers and medications; phenytoin causes gingival enlargement.T2
Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.