Teaching tooth brushing to children with autistic spectrum disorder : A tablet-based training programme.

• Published in: Santé publique (Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France) Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 297 - 306
• Main Authors: Lefer, Gaëlle, Bourdon, Patrice, Mercier, Cendrine, Lopez-Cazaux, Serena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: 01.05.2018
• ISSN: 0995-3914
• DOI: 10.3917/spub.183.0297

OBJECTIVEThe primary objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate the short-term (four months) impact of a tooth brushing learning programme based on pictograms generated by the çATED app for iPad designed for patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).METHODSFifty-two ASD patients, between the ages of 3 and 19 years, from seven educational centres, were included. A tooth brushing training programme was proposed in collaboration with the educational teams. Observation grids were used to evaluate autonomy during tooth brushing and interaction with the iPad.RESULTSThe results showed improvement of tooth brushing. The children progressively acquired the various brushing skills, although some steps remained difficult to perform. Interactions with the iPad also improved during the programme, encouraging the use of this tool in learning of tooth brushing.CONCLUSIONSDaily assistance of the children improved the efficacy of tooth brushing, contributing to the preventive care of these patients. The use of an iPad in oral hygiene, especially for learning of tooth brushing, is simple and effective.