Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A Dental Communication Board as an Oral Care Tool for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sometimes display an inability for information sharing through functional verbal communication. This may interfere with professional oral care. These children tend to process visual information more efficiently than auditory information. Picture schedules can briefly suffice as visual cues serving a vital function in helping children with ASD to function in a particular setting such as an oral care environment. A visual communication implement such as a dental communication board was developed in this study to allow for a facilitated communication process between the patient with ASD and the oral care professional. This study entailed two main phases, namely the selection of symbols for the construction of a dental communication board and the small scale testing of the board in a clinical setting. This study incorporated a combination of a quantitative non-experimental descriptive survey combined with a concurrent mixed method survey design which retrieved data for both close-ended and open-ended questions from the same respondent. A quantitative survey questionnaire at a structured dental seminar presentation was employed for the first phase, and a combination of a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire was employed for the second phase of this study. Documented responses were collated and analyzed using frequency and thematic analysis. The most frequently selected symbols were retrieved after a frequency analysis and displayed on a color coded background to distinguish the various categories on the dental communication board. The thematic analysis resulted in the emergence of three main themes, namely the strengths of the board; weakness of the board and suggestions. This study anticipates the incorporation of a dental communication board as a visual mode using graphic symbols to augment expressive and receptive language in an oral care environment to facilitate professional oral care for children with ASD.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Al Mochamant, I.-G., Fotopoulos, I., & Zouloumis, L. (2015). Dental management of patients with autism spectrum disorders. Balkan Journal of Dental Medicine, 19(3), 124–127. https://doi.org/10.1515/bjdm-2015-0046.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 2013 (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Angelo, D. H. (1991). Enhancing nonsymbolic communication interactions among learners with severe disabilities, By Ellen Siegel-Causey & Doug Guess. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1989. 208 pp. $28.00 soft cover. Journal of Early Intervention, 15(2), 209–212. https://doi.org/10.1177/105381519101500212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bäckman, B., & Pilebro, C. (1999). Visual pedagogy in dentistry for children with autism. ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children, 66(5), 325–331.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Banajee, M., Dicarlo, C., & Buras Stricklin, S. (2003). Core vocabulary determination for toddlers. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 19, 67–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benjaminsson, M. V., Thunberg, G., & Nilsson, S. (2015). Using picture and text schedules to inform children: Effects on distress and pain during needle-related procedures in nitrous oxide sedation. Pain Research and Treatment, 2015, 478503. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/478503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2005). Augmentative and alternative communication: Management of severe communication impairments (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Black Sash. (2010). Social Assistance: A Reference Guide for Paralegals. Cape Town: Black Sash.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloomberg, K., Karlan, G. R., & Lloyd, L. (1990). The comparative translucency of initial lexical items represented by five graphic symbol systems. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 33, 717–725.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bloor, M., Frankland, J., Thomas, M., & Robson, K. (2001). Focus Group in Social Research. London: Sage.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bornman, J., & Bryen, D. N. (2013). Social validation of vocabulary selection: Ensuring stakeholder relevance. AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 29(2), 174–181. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2013.784805.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bornman, J., Nelson Bryen, D., Kershaw, P., & Ledwaba, G. (2011). Reducing the risk of being a victim of crime in South Africa: You can tell and be heard. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 27(2), 117–130.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brady, N., Thiemann-Bourque, K., & Fleming, K. (2013). Predicting language outcomes for children learning augmentative and alternative communication: Child and environmental factors. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 56, 1595–1612.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cafiero, J. (1998). Communication power for individuals with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 13(2), 113–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/108835769801300208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cagetti, M. G., et al. (2015). Dental care protocol based on visual supports for children with autism spectrum disorders. Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal, 20(5), e598–e604. https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.20424.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Caron, M. J., Mottron, L., Rainville, C., & Chouinard, S. (2004). Do high functioning persons with autism present superior spatial abilities? Neuropsychologia, 42(4), 467–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2003.08.015.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2007). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dao, L. P., Zwetchkenbaum, S., & Inglehart, M. R. (2005). General dentists and special needs patients: Does dental education matter? Journal of Dental Education, 69(10), 1107–1115.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Danielsson, H., Rönnberg, J., Leven, A., Andersson, J., Andersson, K., & Lyxell, B. (2006). The face you recognize may not be the one you saw: Memory conjunction errors in individuals with or without learning disability. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 47(3), 177–186. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9450.2006.00505.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeMattei, R., Cuvo, A., & Maurizio, S. (2007). Oral assessment of children with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 81(3), 65.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fuller, D. R., Lloyd, L. L., & Stratton, M. M. (1997). Aided AAC symbols. In L. L. Lloyd, D. R. Fuller, & H. H. Arvidson (Eds.), Augmentative and alternative communication: A handbook of principles and practices (pp. 43–47). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gantz, J. B. (2007). Classroom structuring methods and strategies for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Exceptionality, 15, 249–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hodgedon, L. A. (1995). Visual strategies for improving communication: Practical support for school and home. Troy: Quirk Roberts Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hume, K., Loftin, R., & Lantz, J. (2009). Increasing independence in autism spectrum disorders: A review of three focused interventions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 1329–1338.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, J., Inglebret, E., Jones, C., & Ray, J. (2006). Perspectives of speech-language pathologists regarding success vs. abandonment of AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 22, 85–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, S. S., Reichle, J., Feeley, K. M., & Jones, E. A. (Eds.). (2012). AAC strategies for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities. Paul H. Brookes: Baltimore, MD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, U., & Nowak, A. J. (1998). Autistic disorder: A review for the pediatric dentist. Pediatric Dentistry, 20, 312–317.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Klein, U., & Nowak, A. (1999). Characteristics of patients withautistic disorder (AD) presenting for dental treatment: A Surrey and chart review. Special Care in Dentistry, 19(5), 200–207.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kanner, L. (1943). Autistic disturbances of affective contact. Nervous Child, 2, 217–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilham, C., & Costley, D. (2012). An independent outcome of a pivotal response training (PRT) intervention for children with autism. Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Research Insights, 5. Retrieved from https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/content/research-insights.

  • Krueger, R. A. (1994). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goossens, C., Crain, S., & Elder, P. (1992). Engineering the classroom environment for interactive symbolic communication–An emphasis on the developmental period, 18 months to five years. Southeast Augmentative Communication Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz, P. J., & McClannahan, L. E. (1998). Social interaction skills for children with autism: A script fading procedure for beginning readers. Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, 31, 191–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Light, J. C., et al. (1998). Augmentative and alternative communication to support receptive and expressive communication for people with autism. The Journal of Communication Disorders, 31(2), 153–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9924(97)00087-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lyall, K., Croen, L., Daniels, J., Fallin, M. D., Ladd-Acosta, C., Lee, B. K., et al. (2017). The changing epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders. Annual Review of Public Health, 38(1), 81–102.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacDuff, G. S., Krantz, P. J., & McClannahan, L. E. (1993). Teaching children with autism to use photographic activity schedules: Maintenance and generalization of complex response chains. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26(1), 89–97. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1993.26-89.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mah, J. W. T., & Tsang, P. (2016). Visual schedule system in dental care for patients with autism: A pilot study. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 40(5), 393–399.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mansoor, D., Al Halabi, M., & Kowash, M. (2017). Medical and dental implications of autism spectrum disorder: A review. JSM Dentistry, 5(1), 1086.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mertens, D. (2009). Transformative research and evaluation. New York: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mesibov, G. B., Browder, D. M., & Kirkland, C. (2002). Using individualized schedules as a component of positive behavioural support for students with developmental disabilities. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions., 4, 73–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mirenda, P. (2001). Autism, augmentative communication, and assistive technology: What do we really know? Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 16(3), 141–151. https://doi.org/10.1177/108835760101600302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mirenda, P., & Locke, P. A. (1989). A comparison of symbol transparency in nonspeaking persons with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 54(2), 131–140. https://doi.org/10.1044/jshd.5402.131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, D. L., Krueger, R. A., & King, J. A. (1998). The Focus Group Guidebook. SAGE Publications (Developing Questions for Focus Groups). https://books.google.co.za/books.

  • Naidoo, M., & Singh, S. (2018). An oral care intervention for children with Autism spectrum disorder in KwaZulu-Natal. A research thesis submitted as requirement for Doctor of Philosophy degree, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

  • Nash, D. A. (2006). Engaging children's cooperation in the dental environment through effective communication. Pediatric Dentistry, 28(5), 455–459.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council. (2002a). Educating children with autism. Washington, DC: National Research Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council. (2002b). Scientific research in education, research in education. Washington, DC: National Research Council. https://doi.org/10.17226/10236

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, L. P., Getzin, A., Graham, D., Zhou, J., Wagle, E. M., & McQuiston, J. (2011). Unmet dental needs and barriers to care for children with significant special health care needs. Pediatric Dentistry, 33, 29–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neuman, W. L. (1997). Social research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preis, J. (2006). The effect of picture communication symbols on the verbal comprehension of commands by young children with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(4), 194–208. https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576060210040101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Romski, M., & Sevcik, R. A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: Myths and realities. Infants & Young Children, 18(3), 174–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M., & Schopler, E. (1988). Autism and pervasive developmental disorders. In M. Rutter, A. H. Tuma, & I. S. Lann (Eds.), Assessment and diagnosis in child psychopathology (pp. 408–434). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schalkers, I., Parsons, C. S., Bunders, J. F. G., & Dedding, C. (2016). Health professionals’ perspectives on children’s and young people’s participation in health care: A qualitative multihospital study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25, 1035–1044.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schlosser, R. W., & Raghavendra, P. (2004). Evidence-based practice in augmentative and alternative communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication., 40(3), 225–238. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434610310001621083.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlosser, R., & Sigafoos, J. (2002). Selecting graphic symbols for an initial request lexicon: Integrative review. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 18(2), 102–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434610212331281201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, A. (2004). Causes. Aetiology and Biochemical Abnormalities of Autism (Chap. I). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from Springboard. https://www.springboard4health.com/notebook/health_autism.html.

  • Stein, L. I., et al. (2011). Oral care and sensory sensitivities in children with autism spectrum disorders. Special Care in Dentistry, 31(3), 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2011.00187.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thistle, J. J., & Wilkinson, K. M. (2015). Building evidence-based practice in AAC display design for young children: Current practices and future directions. AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(2), 124–136. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2015.1035798.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, N. A., Shetty, P., Sowmya, B., & Kodgi, V. (2016). Barriers to dental care for children with autism spectrum disorder—A pilot study. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, 15(9), 100–105. https://doi.org/10.9790/0853-150905100105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Udhya, J., Varadharaja, M. M., Parthiban, J., & Srinivasan, I. (2014). Autism disorder (AD): An updated review for paediatric dentists. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(2), 275–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandervelden, M., & Siegel, L. (1999). Phonological processing and literacy in AAC users and students with motor speech impairments. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 15(9), 191–211. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434619912331278725.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zolnierek, K. B. H., & Dimatteo, M. R. (2009). Physician communication and patient adherence to treatment: A meta-analysis. Medical Care, 47, 826–834.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Funding was supported by the College of Health Sciences Scholarship (CHS Scholarship—UKZN) and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH). University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and Prof. Shenuka Singh for her role as a supervisor. Mrs. L. Reddy; Miss S. Kanniapen; and Mr. D. Singh for their roles as a research assistant; data capture and statistician.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa

    Magandhree Naidoo

  2. School of Health Sciences, Department of Dentistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa

    Shenuka Singh

Authors
  1. Magandhree Naidoo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shenuka Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shenuka Singh.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Naidoo, M., Singh, S. A Dental Communication Board as an Oral Care Tool for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 3831–3843 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04436-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04436-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation