1. Oral Care Interventions for Autistic Individuals: A Systematic Review
- Author
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Lucía I. Floríndez, Dominique H. Como, Evelyn Law, Christine F. Tran, Robert Johnson, José C. Polido, Sharon A. Cermak, and Leah I. Stein Duker
- Abstract
Oral care-related challenges are well documented in the autistic community. This review examined interventions designed to improve oral health in autistic individuals across the lifespan. Through a systematic process, 36 studies were identified which focused on improving home-based oral care skills and routines, and reducing fear, anxiety, and/or negative behaviors in the dental clinic. Studies incorporated preparatory interventions to support home-based hygiene activities or improve an approaching dental encounter (n = 29), most often using visual aids, and/or strategies to manage behavioral difficulties exhibited in the dental office (n = 17). Some studies used both approaches (n = 10), combining visual aids prior to a visit with behavior management in the dental office. Using an evidence-based rubric, methodological quality of most articles was only "adequate" (n = 8) or "weak" (n = 23). Findings provide preliminary support for preparatory home-based visual interventions to improve toothbrushing and/or ready patients for dental visits, and distraction or sensory-reducing interventions to improve experiences in the dental clinic. Only one study purposefully recruited autistic adults and no studies included intervention elements tailored to race/ethnicity, culture, and/or socioeconomic status. This review highlights the need for high-quality studies investigating the impact of oral care-related interventions for autistic individuals and identifies a gap in interventions for autistic adults and those from minoritized populations.
- Published
- 2025
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