Factors associated with cooperative levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder children during dental treatments

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the cooperation rates in Thai ASD patients and analyse factors associated with cooperation levels in ASD patients during dental treatment. METHODS: A group of 95 subjects aged between 3–18 years diagnosed with ASD and who had been evaluated for sensory processing by an occupational therapist received dental treatment in the dental clinic at the Rajanukul Institute of Bangkok (Thailand), which is the governmental institute providing medical and dental services to the community, including special needs children. Data were collected from medical records and parental questionnaires as well as behaviour rating during dental treatment using the Frankl rating scale. Qualitative data were analysed using descriptive analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analise the factors associated with clinical behaviour during dental treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: School-age ASD children who have been trained in special education programmes and showed positive behaviour before dental treatment show a higher cooperation level during treatment.