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85 - Parental Views on Behavioral Techniques for Children with Autism

Friday, May 23, 2025
12:40 PM - 1:00 PM MDT
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Anabel Valdivia del Campo, DMD (she/her/hers)

    Resident
    Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Plantation, Florida, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • JC

    Jennifer Chung, PhD, LMFT

    Assistant Professor
    Nova Southeastern University
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Judith R. Chin, DDS, MS

    Program Director
    Nova Southeastern University
    Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Abstract
Parents ́ perception of behavioral techniques for children with autism in the dental setting.
Valdivia del Campo A, Chung J, Levi-Minzi.
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Research supported by the Nova Southeastern University Health Professions Division.

Purpose: This study seeks to identify the behavioral techniques that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consider to be most effective within a dental context in order to develop strategies to enhance care among these patients.

Methods: Parents of children with ASD (N=81) being seen at a special needs dental clinic completed a 24-question survey to examine their perceptions related to behavior management techniques. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to identify significant associations between parent’s chosen behavioral technique, previous dental experience, and patient oral health habits.

Results: Most patients were male (n=63, 77.8%), had an ASD diagnosis (n=70; 86.4%), and had visited the dentist before (n=77, 95.1%). The most commonly reported co-occurring disorder was speech delay (n=41, 50.6%), and most patients were described as having a moderate level of challenging behaviors (n=39; 48.1%). Tell-show-do (n=36; 44.4%) and desensitization (n=24; 29.6%) were identified as the most effective behavior guidance technique to use during the visit. Parents believed the most effective communication technique would be the use of a task strip (n=47; 58.0%), followed by tell-show-do (n=43; 53.1%). The visit would be successful through use of frequent visits (n=53; 65.4%) and watching tv during procedures (n=30; 37.0%). Logistic regression analysis did not identify any significant associations.

Conclusion: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of dental care for children with ASD. The findings offer valuable insights into addressing the challenges these children face in dental settings while emphasizing the importance of considering parents' perceptions and experiences.