Autoextraction of twelve permanent teeth in a child with autistic spectrum disorder

This report discusses self-injurious behaviour; this is not unusual in people with autistic spectrum disorders but is not commonly experienced as autoextraction.

This case concerns a 12 year old child who presented as a new patient with two teeth missing. He then went on to remove a further ten teeth over a relatively short space of time.

The recognition of autoextraction by the dental team is important. its management involves a multidisciplinary team which includes professionals from education, health and social care who work together to prevent progressive self-injury.