Feasibility of a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment for Children With Autism

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To provide an example of an occupational therapy feasibility study and evaluate the implementation of a randomized controlled pilot and feasibility trial examining the impact of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) to enhance oral care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD. Twenty-two children with ASD and 22 typically developing children, ages 6–12 yr, attended a dental clinic in an urban hospital. Participants completed two dental cleanings, 3–4 mo apart, one in a regular environment and one in a SADE. Feasibility outcome measures were recruitment, retention, accrual, dropout, and protocol adherence. Intervention outcome measures were physiological stress, behavioral distress, pain, and cost. RESULTS. We successfully recruited and retained participants. Parents expressed satisfaction with research study participation. Dentists stated that the intervention could be incorporated in normal practice. Intervention outcome measures favored the SADE condition. CONCLUSION. Preliminary positive benefit of SADE in children with ASD warrants moving forward with a large-scale clinical trial.

Dementia care mapping to support staff in the care of people with intellectual disability and dementia: a feasibility study

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“…DCM aims at different levels: at the individual (residents and care givers), at the group (care giving teams) and at multidisciplinary teams and management (Van de Ven et al, 2013). Furthermore, person-centred methods, like DCM, are associated with (psychosocial) benefits for both people with dementia (whether or not with intellectual disability) and their care staff, by improving the quality of care (Brown et al, 2016;Brownie & Nancarrow, 2013;Edvardsson, Sandman, & Borell, 2014;Van der Meer, Nieboer, Finkenflügel, & Cramm, 2017;Willemse et al, 2015).…”

Dental Services Use and Barriers to Dental Care for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jordan: Case-Control Study

“…In the view of increasing access to oral care of autistic individuals, it is worth to utilize the least traumatic environment to accommodate the unique sensory and behavioral aberrations of this population. Multiple and simultaneous strategies, including visual, auditory, tactile and video goggles, are advocated to overcome difficulties in communication, social interactions, anxiety and sensory adaptation with dental office environment during providing dental care for ASD patients [25][26][27] .…”

Using a Multifaceted Approach to Working With Children Who Have Differences in Sensory Processing and Integration

“…There is preliminary evidence that guides best practice when implementing environmental modifications such as the use of alternative seating (Bagatell, Mirigliani, Patterson, Reyes, & Test, 2010 Umeda & Deitz, 2011), modifications to the dental environment (Cermak et al, 2015), and changes to sounds and lighting in the classroom (Kinnealey et al, 2012;Reynolds, Kuhaneck, & Pfeiffer, 2016). Other approaches, such as the use of weighted vests, have limited to no evidence to support their continued use (Case-Smith et al, 2015;Watling & Hauer, 2015).…”