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Effectiveness of a tooth-brushing programme using the picture exchange communication system (PECS) on gingival health of children with autism spectrum disorders

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Abstract

Purpose

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 programme on gingival health in children with ASD and assess parents’ perception of PECS.

Methods

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, 2 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.

Results

Most children with ASD had language abilities (64.9%) and prior PECS use (67.6%). Both GI and PI significantly dropped between baseline and both re-evaluations, (P < 0.001). Age, among studied factors, significantly affected PI only at all stages (P < 0.001). Most parents/caregivers (75.7%) rated PECS as hard, but useful (100%). Age and PECS prior use significantly affected PECS difficulty rating (P  = 0.000 and 0.031, respectively), while sex did not (P  > 0.05).

Conclusion

PECS though rated as hard was useful in improving gingival health in children with ASD.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Deanship of Research, at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan (Grant # 20110011).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Dentistry Division, Preventive Dentistry Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan

    O. B. Al-Batayneh, T. S. Nazer & A. I. Owais

  2. Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan

    Y. S. Khader

Authors
  1. O. B. Al-Batayneh
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  2. T. S. Nazer
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  3. Y. S. Khader
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  4. A. I. Owais
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Correspondence to O. B. Al-Batayneh.

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Al-Batayneh, O.B., Nazer, T.S., Khader, Y.S. et al. Effectiveness of a tooth-brushing programme using the picture exchange communication system (PECS) on gingival health of children with autism spectrum disorders. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 21, 277–283 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-019-00485-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-019-00485-x

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