News

Desensitization Training Improves Dental Visits For Children With Autism

Desensitization Training Improves Dental Visits For Children With Autism
by Richard Gawel

Dental appointments can be particularly challenging for children with autism. In fact, their behavioral issues often make it less likely for them to receive dental care than their typically developing peers. But desensitization techniques such as repeated visits and practice at home could help these young patients, improving their experience as well as the quality of their care, according to researchers at the University of Washington Center for Pediatric Dentistry.

“For a child with autism, even a simple preventive dental visit can be overwhelming. Bright lights, unusual smells, and chairs that move can seem scary and unusual for people with sensory sensitivities,” said Travis Nelson, DDS, MSD, MPH, lead author of the study.

“Children with autism also face communication challenges that make it difficult for them to express themselves and interact with the dental team. Ultimately, this can contribute to ‘fight or flight’ stress behaviors at the dental office. It may also cause some families to completely avoid routine preventive care,” said Nelson.

The researchers retrospectively reviewed clinical behavioral data and pre-visit questionnaires for 168 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years, 7 and 12 years, and 13 and 18 years with autism spectrum disorder who attended a university-based dental desensitization program. Data elements included demographic, treatment, and behavioral characteristics. The primary outcome was receiving a minimal threshold examination while seated in a dental chair.

“In school and other educational settings, children with autism receive behavioral therapy to develop new life skills,” said Nelson. “In this study, we adopted techniques that are used in that context. We started by having parents complete a detailed questionnaire about their child. That gave us an idea of the patient’s strengths, communication style, and stimuli that ‘trigger’ negative behaviors. The approach was tailored using that information.”

Read full article on Dentistry Today.