Exploring the experiences and opinions of parents and carers in accessing dental services for their children with ASD

Background Visits to the dentists can be difficult for those on the autism spectrum, anxieties can be intensified by factors such as sensory processing dysfunction, communication limitations and inflexibility or rigidity.... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Visits to the dentists can be difficult for those on the autism spectrum, anxieties can be intensified by factors such as sensory processing dysfunction, communication limitations and inflexibility or rigidity. Previous studies that have focused on access to dental services for autistic individuals are based in the U.S. this study focuses on a non-U.S population.

Objectives:

To explore experience/opinions of parents and carers in accessing dental services for their children with ASD. .

Method:
An online questionnaire with open and closed questions was advertised on the NAS website requesting participation from parents/carers (spring 2014). Ethical approval was given from the University faculty ethics committee. Implied consent was taken through completion of the anonymous online questionnaire. Thematic analyses were performed on data.

Results:
279 responses were received. 45% (n=125) stated that their child faced barriers to accessing dental services.

Barriers to access qualitative themes; lack of awareness and understanding of autism, communication style, specific difficulties associated with autism, specific difficulties associated with autism time, and support.

Factors that facilitate access qualitative themes; consistency of practitioner, expertise/knowledge of ASD, environment adaptation and adapting communication approach.

Conclusion:
The knowledge, approach and communication skills of dental staff, and their willingness and ability to adapt their practices for children with autism all have an impact on accessing dental care. These could be improved by further training/knowledge of staff, simple adaptations to environments/appointments and more tailored services to meet individual needs.

Ethical approval was given from the University faculty ethics committee. Judith Brown one of the authors is Head of Knowledge and Research for NAS and is part of the scientific review panel. [ view full abstract ]

Ethical approval was given from the University faculty ethics committee.

Judith Brown one of the authors is Head of Knowledge and Research for NAS and is part of the scientific review panel.