The Development of Psycho-educational Module of Dental Management for Primary Caregivers and Teachers of Autism Children: A Qualitative Study in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of autism increases globally and in Indonesia. Children with autism experience intellectual, behavioral, and anxiety disorders, including fear of dental care. These children often experience difficulty brushing teeth and are reluctant to visit dental care facilities. The poor oral and dental cleanness in children with autism may increase the risk of dental and oral diseases such as periodontal disease and caries. One preventive effort is providing psycho-education to the child and the people surrounding them (parents or caretaker and teacher). Psycho-education modules should be adequate and based on the client’s needs. AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the contents of the psycho-educational module as a guide for primary caregivers and teachers to prevent dental and oral health problems of the child with autism. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews from 12 November to 26 December 2020. This study involved 11 primary caregivers and 14 teachers of the autism-special school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The FGD and in-depth interviews were recorded and verbatim transcripted and were analyzed by thematic content analysis. RESULTS: We found three topics required to maintain the dental and oral health of a child with autism, namely: Management of behavior in autistic children, oral-dental treatment, and nutrition management in dental-oral health in autistic children. Available materials used practical and straightforward language. CONCLUSION: The study findings provide an important information as a new approach contained in the module on maintaining oral health to improve the health status of autistic children.