Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2018
Vol:
19
Issue:
4

Original research Understanding oral health challenges for children and young people with autistic spectrum conditions

Anxiety regarding dental procedures and fear regarding dental re-attendance when families have experienced
problems relating to difficult behaviour at a previous visit, can result in unmet dental treatment needs for patients
with autism. The aim of this project was to involve key stakeholders meaningfully to gain understanding of the
issues and challenges facing children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) when they attend
for dental visits. Qualitative data regarding dental experiences was gathered from children diagnosed with ASC,
parents of children with ASC and dental service providers. Children were engaged to participate, where possible, in
interviews with their parents present. Individual interviews were conducted with parents of children from across the
autism spectrum (with and without learning difficulties) and across ages from 5 to 14 years. Information from
primary care dental providers was gathered through participation in a focus group discussion. Sensory difficulties,
dentist expectations and attitudes, and lack of pre-visit preparation for dental visits were highlighted as important
factors influencing dental experiences for patients with ASC and their families. Pre-appointment preparation and
education regarding ASC were identified as areas where positive action could be taken to improve dental
experience. Sensory reactivity was identified as a common and significant obstacle to optimal oral care requiring
further research. The aim of this project was to involve key stakeholders meaningfully to gain understanding of the
issues and challenges facing children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) when they attend
for dental visits.

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£0.00
Page Start
16
Page End
20
Authors
J Shepherd, J Parry

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 4
  3. 4

  1. Reviews and commentary Dissociation in the dental surgery: recognition and management.
  2. 5
  3. 11

  1. Laser doppler flowmetry for vitality testing dental pulp: potential use in special care patients unable to communicate
  2. 12
  3. 15

  1. Original research Understanding oral health challenges for children and young people with autistic spectrum conditions
  2. 16
  3. 20

  1. Case Reports Dental treatment for an adult patient with reflex anoxic seizures
  2. 21
  3. 26

  1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder impeding access to dental services: a case report
  2. 27
  3. 33

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