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Improving oral health for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Shuaib, Maya Moyer, Madeline DeVous, Alyssa Vazquez, Marianna
Shuaib, Maya
Moyer, Madeline
DeVous, Alyssa
Vazquez, Marianna
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2022-04-15
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Shuaib, Maya; Moyer, Madeline; DeVous, Alyssa; Vazquez, Marianna. 2022.
Improving oral health for individuals with autism spectrum disorder -- In Proceedings: 21st Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 11
Abstract
Problem Statement: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
experience heightened sensory input resulting in difficulties when performing daily oral
hygiene care. Most children and adults with ASD are less likely to receive preventative
health care services due to sensory processing difficulties and lack of access to dental
care. The oral health objective of Healthy People 2030 addresses awareness to the lack of
oral health concerns for these individuals. Efforts to make homes, schools, workplaces,
and public places easier to access can help improve quality of life and overall well-being
for people with disabilities.
Purpose: The primary goal of this project was to educate ten paraeducators at
Heartspring, a residential and day school which serves children with disabilities. The
areas of educational focus were the importance of oral health, nutritional guidelines, how
to provide daily brushing and oral health care using modifications for the residents with
ASD in the age group of five to twenty-two (N=60).
Methods: Through systematic research in reviewing thirteen published articles, it was
found that individuals with autism do not have a greater genetic risk of developing caries,
however lack of proper daily oral hygiene care increases the risk of oral disease. The oral
health education provided to the paraeducators focused primarily on oral hygiene
instructions and nutritional counseling using a presentation, hands-on activities, and
pamphlets. Modifications to home care include, social stories, placing a tennis ball on a
toothbrush, and extended REACH flossers. Social stories consequently soothe the
hypersensitivities for children and adults with ASD which may allow them to form an
oral hygiene routine. Nutritional counseling was stressed for providing healthy options
and avoiding sugary foods. Pre and post surveys were administered to the paraeducators.
Results: Ten paraeducators at Heartspring received a greater understanding of proper oral
hygiene instruction and modifications to oral care. This type of educational effort ties
directly to the Healthy People objective as described. Pre-test scores averaged at 70% and
increased approximately twenty percent after the post-test was given.
Conclusion: The program provided paraeducators at Heartspring to be better prepared to
assist individuals with home care habits and improve oral health. Using these educational
tools will benefit individuals with ASD at Heartspring in reducing sensitivities, forming a
routine, and having educated assistance, therefore leading to fewer dental visits due to
dental disease.
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Description
Presented to the 21st Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 15, 2022.
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
URCAF
v.21
v.21