Only small adjustments needed to improve treatment of autistic children

PLYMOUTH, UK: Giving paediatric patients with autism a choice on things like the colour of their mouthwash or brightness of the lights could significantly improve their treatment experience. According to research from the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, other key factors for a less stressful visit to the dental practice were how confidently parents behaved and how good the communication between parents and the treatment staff was.

Based on interviews with 17 parents of autistic children, the study found that they particularly reacted to negative feelings and the attitudes of those around them in the treatment room. If they were given a larger say about smaller things involved in their treatment, their experience was significantly better.

Researcher Nicole Thomas, who has a 5-year-old son with autism, said while a visit to the dentist can be stressful for any child, routine check-ups of those with autistic symptoms are particularly challenging owing to the substantial amount of preparation prior to treatment.

“With the outstanding support of my mentor, Sharon Blake from the University of Exeter, I was surprised at the small changes required that could make a really significant difference,” she said.

While the behaviour of the whole dental team was vital in terms of influence, Thomas also explained that it is crucial that parents stand up for the needs of their child.

“Some parents respect the dentist’s viewpoint so much that they don’t have the confidence to ask about what to expect and request changes to surroundings, but this study shows that clear and open communication on both sides creates a collaborative partnership that works in the best interest of all.”

Supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula, the research was conducted in partnership with the Peninsula Cerebra Research Unit (PenCRU) and members of the PenCRU Family Faculty, a group of parents of disabled children. Tomas hopes the findings will empower parents to feel confident to advocate for their child’s individual needs, as well as help dental professionals understand the small changes they could incorporate to make a big difference.

Furthermore, clear referral pathways to specialist dental services will also be needed to avoid any delay and distress for families whose children are still not able to cope with conventional dental settings.

“Our next step is to work with dental service providers and autism support groups and charities to raise awareness of the study’s findings,” Tomas said.

The study, titled “Autism and primary care dentistry: Parents’ experiences of taking children with autism or working diagnosis of autism for dental examinations”, was published online in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry on 26 October.

Editorial note: Guidelines for dental care of patients with autism are available from the National Autistic Society website.

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