Dental Care Access Among Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross Sectional Survey in Juiz de Fora, Brazil

Although most children and adolescents with ASD in Juiz de Fora had received dental care, ongoing barriers hinder consistent access, as identified through associative-not causal-relationships, given the cross sectional nature of the study. The shortage of specialized professionals, behavioral challenges, and financial difficulties remain major barriers to access. Early age, verbal communication, and higher family income were associated with, rather than predictive of, better access and adherence.