NCT03791385

Effectiveness of Picture Exchange Communication System on Gingival Health of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Effectiveness of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on Dental Plaque and Gingival Health of Children With Autism

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 37 (actual)
• Sponsor: Jordan University of Science and Technology · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 4 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication system for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a PECS-based tooth-brushing program on gingival health in children with ASD and assess parents' perception of PECS. This was a prospective interventional study. Using PECS as a pictures/cards series showing a structured tooth-brushing method, 37 children with ASD (31 males, 6 females) (average age 9.49±4.10, 4-16 years) and their parents/caregivers were trained on tooth-brushing twice, two weeks apart. Data collected after examinations (baseline, 3, 6-months) included gingival and plaque indices (GI, PI) and two questionnaires (baseline, 6-months) for demographic data and parents' perception of PECS including: difficulty rating (easy, hard, very hard) and PECS usefulness.

Detailed description

The need for improved oral hygiene routines in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been documented in many reports. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which is a series of pictures that show a structured method and technique for teeth brushing, was chosen for this study since it is a proven communication system for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a PECS-based tooth-brushing program on gingival health in children with ASD and assess parents' perception of PECS. This was a prospective interventional study. Using PECS as a pictures/cards series showing a structured tooth-brushing method, 37 children with ASD (31 males, 6 females) (average age 9.49±4.10, 4-16 years) and their parents/caregivers were trained on tooth-brushing twice, two weeks apart. The pictures were placed in the bathroom, at home and/or at the autism center. Data collected after examinations (baseline, 3, 6-months) included gingival and plaque indices (GI, PI) and two questionnaires (baseline, 6-months) for demographic data and parents' perception of PECS including: difficulty rating (easy, hard, very hard) and whether they found PECS useful in teaching their children how to brush their teeth (yes or no).

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)	A communication system frequently used with non-verbal children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that uses a series of pictures that describe how a certain activity is done, in our case showing a structured method and technique for teeth brushing.

Timeline

• Start date: 2011-04-01
• Primary completion: 2011-10-01
• Completion: 2011-10-01
• First posted: 2019-01-02
• Last updated: 2019-01-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Jordan