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Makale MT, Nybo C, Blum K, Dennen CA, Elman I, Murphy KT. Pilot Study of Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Spectral Electroencephalogram Analyses for Assessing and Treating Persons with Autism. J Pers Med 2024; 14:857. [PMID: 39202048 PMCID: PMC11355711 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14080857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is only partly responsive to prevailing interventions. ASC manifests core challenges in social skills, communication, and sensory function and by repetitive stereotyped behaviors, along with imbalances in the brain's excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) signaling. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise in ASC and may be a useful addition to applied behavioral analysis (ABA), a gold-standard psychotherapeutic intervention. We report an open-label clinical pilot (initial) study in which ABA-treated ASC persons (n = 123) received our personalized rTMS protocol (PrTMS). PrTMS uses low TMS pulse intensities and continuously updates multiple cortical stimulation locales and stimulation frequencies based on the spectral EEG and psychometrics. No adverse effects developed, and 44% of subjects had ASC scale scores reduced to below diagnostic cutoffs. Importantly, in PrTMS responders, the spectral EEG regression flattened, implying a more balanced E/I ratio. Moreover, with older participants, alpha peak frequency increased, a positive correlate of non-verbal cognition. PrTMS may be an effective ASC intervention, offering improved cognitive function and overall symptomatology. This warrants further research into PrTMS mechanisms and specific types of subjects who may benefit, along with validation of the present results and exploration of broader clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan T. Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chad Nybo
- CrossTx Inc., Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Exercise Sports, Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Catherine A. Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA 19114, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University School of Medicine, Cambridge, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kevin T. Murphy
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulations, PeakLogic, LLC, Del Mar, CA 92130, USA
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Berg J, Sideridis GD, DePillis R, Harstad E. Types and Predictors of Service use Among Young Children Recommended to Receive Intensive Services After Initial Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06454-8. [PMID: 38990372 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Intensive services are recommended for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Limited research on service receipt in states with mandated ASD-specific service coverage suggests that it remains low, and factors associated with intensity are unclear. Participants were 206 children from the Boston Outcomes of Autism in Toddlers study living in states with autism mandates, diagnosed with ASD through a multidisciplinary consultation at 12-36 months, and recommended to receive at least 20 h of services weekly. Outcome measures were caregiver-reported receipt of total and ASD-specific services within 18 months of ASD diagnosis. Separate negative binomial regression models were run for each outcome, with covariates of child adaptive and cognitive functioning, age, gender, household income, primary insurance, and maternal educational level. The sample was 83% male with a mean age of 24.5 months at ASD diagnosis. Mean Vineland adaptive behavior composite and Bayley cognitive standard scores were 73 and 81, respectively. 90% of children received ASD-specific services. The median intensities for total and ASD-specific services were 22 and 17 h weekly respectively, with 44% of the participants receiving at least 20 h of ASD-specific services weekly. Adjusted regression models found significant associations between lower adaptive scores and increased total and ASD-specific service receipt. Children in insurance-mandated states received a high intensity of intervention after clinical ASD diagnosis. Lower child adaptive functioning was associated with increased service receipt, while socioeconomic factors were not associated. Additional research in other regions and mandate-ineligible populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Berg
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Rafael DePillis
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Harstad
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Adelson RP, Ciobanu M, Garikipati A, Castell NJ, Barnes G, Tawara K, Singh NP, Rumph J, Mao Q, Vaish A, Das R. Family-Centric Applied Behavior Analysis Promotes Sustained Treatment Utilization and Attainment of Patient Goals. Cureus 2024; 16:e62377. [PMID: 39011193 PMCID: PMC11247253 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication difficulties and restricted repetitive behaviors or interests. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum. However, challenges regarding access, cost, and provider shortages remain obstacles to treatment delivery. To this end, parents were trained as parent behavior technicians (pBTs), improving access to ABA, and empowering parents to provide ABA treatment in their own homes. We hypothesized that patients diagnosed with severe ASD would achieve the largest gains in overall success rates toward skill acquisition in comparison to patients diagnosed with mild or moderate ASD. Our secondary hypothesis was that patients with comprehensive treatment plans (>25-40 hours/week) would show greater gains in skill acquisition than those with focused treatment plans (less than or equal to 25 hours/week). Methods: This longitudinal, retrospective chart review evaluated data from 243 patients aged two to 18 years who received at least three months of ABA within our pBT treatment delivery model. Patients were stratified by utilization of prescribed ABA treatment, age, ASD severity (per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), and treatment plan type (comprehensive vs. focused). Patient outcomes were assessed by examining success rates in acquiring skills, both overall and in specific focus areas (communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills). RESULTS Patients receiving treatment within the pBT model demonstrated significant progress in skill acquisition both overall and within specific focus areas, regardless of cohort stratification. Patients with severe ASD showed greater overall skill acquisition gains than those with mild or moderate ASD. In addition, patients with comprehensive treatment plans showed significantly greater gains than those with focused treatment plans. CONCLUSION The pBT model achieved both sustained levels of high treatment utilization and progress toward patient goals. Patients showed significant gains in success rates of skill acquisition both overall and in specific focus areas, regardless of their level of treatment utilization. This study reveals that our pBT model of ABA treatment delivery leads to consistent improvements in communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills across patients on the autism spectrum, particularly for those with more severe symptoms and those following comprehensive treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Adelson
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Madalina Ciobanu
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Anurag Garikipati
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Natalie J Castell
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Gina Barnes
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Ken Tawara
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Navan P Singh
- Engineering, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jodi Rumph
- Clinical Team, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Qingqing Mao
- Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Anshu Vaish
- Clinical Team, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
| | - Ritankar Das
- Executive Leadership, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA
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Adelson RP, Ciobanu M, Garikipati A, Castell NJ, Singh NP, Barnes G, Rumph JK, Mao Q, Roane HS, Vaish A, Das R. Family-Centric Applied Behavior Analysis Facilitates Improved Treatment Utilization and Outcomes. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2409. [PMID: 38673682 PMCID: PMC11051390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by lifelong impacts on functional social and daily living skills, and restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Applied behavior analysis (ABA), the gold-standard treatment for ASD, has been extensively validated. ABA access is hindered by limited availability of qualified professionals and logistical and financial barriers. Scientifically validated, parent-led ABA can fill the accessibility gap by overcoming treatment barriers. This retrospective cohort study examines how our ABA treatment model, utilizing parent behavior technicians (pBTs) to deliver ABA, impacts adaptive behaviors and interfering behaviors (IBs) in a cohort of children on the autism spectrum with varying ASD severity levels, and with or without clinically significant IBs. Methods: Clinical outcomes of 36 patients ages 3-15 years were assessed using longitudinal changes in Vineland-3 after 3+ months of pBT-delivered ABA treatment. Results: Within the pBT model, our patients demonstrated clinically significant improvements in Vineland-3 Composite, domain, and subdomain scores, and utilization was higher in severe ASD. pBTs utilized more prescribed ABA when children initiated treatment with clinically significant IBs, and these children also showed greater gains in their Composite scores. Study limitations include sample size, inter-rater reliability, potential assessment metric bias and schedule variability, and confounding intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Conclusion: Overall, our pBT model facilitated high treatment utilization and showed robust effectiveness, achieving improved adaptive behaviors and reduced IBs when compared to conventional ABA delivery. The pBT model is a strong contender to fill the widening treatment accessibility gap and represents a powerful tool for addressing systemic problems in ABA treatment delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Adelson
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Madalina Ciobanu
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Anurag Garikipati
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Natalie J. Castell
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Navan Preet Singh
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Gina Barnes
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Jodi Kim Rumph
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Qingqing Mao
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Henry S. Roane
- Madison-Irving Medical Center, Upstate Medical University, 475 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210-1756, USA;
| | - Anshu Vaish
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Ritankar Das
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
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Reis RDC, Souza INB, Dias MCR, Mendes CMDM, Almeida KJ. Association of Parental Support with Reduced Stereotypy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1667. [PMID: 37763786 PMCID: PMC10534513 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To analyze the influence of parental presence and use of risperidone on social interaction and apathy among patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study in a reference center for patients with ASD in a city in northeastern Brazil. The research was carried out using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Dimensional Apathy Scale, and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) with the domains of social interaction, language, stereotypy, and communication. The referred questionnaire was answered by the parents or guardians of the children with ASD according to the DSM V criteria. Data were analyzed via independent t-test using the SPSS software version 20. Results: Interviews were conducted with 51 parents/guardians of autistic children with a mean age of 8.8 years (±2.95) and a predominance of males, 34 (66.7%). Of this total, 49 (96.1%) of the children attended school; 40 (78.4%) children were on medication, of which 38 (74.5%) were on risperidone. Those children on risperidone had a higher score on the SCQ scale (p = 0.049) and on the domain of stereotyped behaviors (p = 0.033), which indicated greater impairment. Another statistically relevant variable was the presence of married parents, whereby children who did not have the presence of married parents had a higher average of stereotyped behaviors compared to those who had married parents. Conclusions: The results showed differences in the means of social interactions for children on risperidone, especially regarding stereotyped behaviors. However, it is not possible to state whether this difference was due to the use of risperidone or whether they used risperidone precisely because of these behaviors. Also important was that children who had the presence of married parents showed fewer stereotyped behaviors. There was no difference in apathetic behavior between children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renandro de Carvalho Reis
- Department of Medicine, University Center UNINOVAFAPI, Teresina 64073-505, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, University Center IDOMED/UniFacid, Teresina 64073-505, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduation Program, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Kelson James Almeida
- Department of Medicine, University Center IDOMED/UniFacid, Teresina 64073-505, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduation Program, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
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Zerman N, Zotti F, Chirumbolo S, Zangani A, Mauro G, Zoccante L. Insights on dental care management and prevention in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What is new? FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:998831. [PMID: 36238091 PMCID: PMC9551997 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.998831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic subjects represent a severe concern to dentistry due to the considerable difficulty in managing their oral health, maintaining routine toothbrushing, and preventing dental and periodontal problems. The social and economic burden of managing dental care in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children is particularly cumbersome for families and public and private health expenditure, especially when children reach the dentist following a late diagnosis with evident oral health problems. An early diagnosis of ASD helps dentists better address these children's oral health. Unfortunately, insufficient attention is paid to the training and education of general pediatricians, dentists, and dental hygienists, allowing them to get to approach the different clinical aspects of ASD. Usually, children diagnosed with ASD are scheduled for dental appointments like their neurotypical peers, whereas their needs are typically complex and personalized. Scant attention is also devoted to these patients by commercial manufacturers of dental products and devices for oral hygiene and prevention of caries and periodontal diseases, leaving parents without the support and often failing when they address the oral health of autistic children. The difficulties of oral care do not derive simply from the behavior of ASD patients, as is commonly assumed, and therefore cannot be overcome solely by the patience and attention of parents and dentists. Genetics, dietary habits, sensory impairments, and cognition disorders are other causes contributing in various degrees to the impact on the mood and psychological reactions of autistic children towards dentists. How can we prevent teeth caries, periodontal disorders, and other oral health impairments by properly managing ASD children? This manuscript gives an up-to-date overview of these problems and helps to provide good remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Zerman
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Zotti
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zangani
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Zoccante
- Autism Veneto Region Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Choi KR, Lotfizadah AD, Bhakta B, Pompa-Craven P, Coleman KJ. Concordance between patient-centered and adaptive behavior outcome measures after applied behavior analysis for autism. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:314. [PMID: 35624439 PMCID: PMC9137129 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach to autism spectrum disorder that has been shown in clinical trials to improve child functional status. There is substantial focus in ABA on setting and tracking individualized goals that are patient-centered, but limited research on how to measure progress on such patient-centered outcomes. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to assess concordance between patient-centered and standard outcome measures of treatment progress in a real-world clinical sample of children receiving ABA for autism spectrum disorder. METHODS This observational study used a clinical sample of children ages 3 to 16 years (N = 154) who received 24 months of ABA from an integrated health system. Concordance between three outcome measures after ABA was assessed using a correlation matrix: (1) patient-centered measures of progress on individualized treatment goals, (2) caregiver-centered measure of progress on treatment participation goals, and (3) the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales adaptive behavior composite. RESULTS There was limited concordance among measures at both 12 and 24 months of ABA. None of the patient-centered measures showed significant positive correlation with adaptive behavior composite difference scores at either 12 or 24 months, nor did the caregiver measure. The percentage of children achieving clinically meaningful gain on patient-centered goal measures increased between 12 and 24 months of ABA, while the percentage of children achieving clinically meaningful gains in adaptive behavior declined during the same time period. CONCLUSIONS In a health system implementation of ABA, there was limited concordance between patient-centered and standard measures of clinically meaningful treatment progress for children with ASD. Clinicians should have ongoing dialogue with patients and parents/caregivers to ensure that interventions for ASD are resulting in progress towards outcomes that are meaningful to patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R Choi
- UCLA School of Nursing, 700 Tiverton Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90049, USA.
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, 100 S. Los Robles, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA.
| | - Amin D Lotfizadah
- Easterseals Southern California, 1063 McGaw Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA, 92614, USA
| | - Bhumi Bhakta
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, 100 S. Los Robles, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
| | - Paula Pompa-Craven
- Easterseals Southern California, 1063 McGaw Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA, 92614, USA
| | - Karen J Coleman
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, 100 S. Los Robles, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
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Carli E, Pasini M, Pardossi F, Capotosti I, Narzisi A, Lardani L. Oral Health Preventive Program in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9040535. [PMID: 35455579 PMCID: PMC9031336 DOI: 10.3390/children9040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical hygienic parameters, patient collaboration, and dental habits in patients with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) before and after a tailored prevention program. A total of 100 patients (78 males and 22 females, mean age 8 ± 0.7 years old) was recruited, with ages ranging from 7 to 16 years old, and diagnoses of ASD. We evaluated the plaque index (IP), gingival index (IG), the dmft/DMFT, the frequency of tooth brushing, and the frequency of snacks for each patient. Patient behaviour was evaluated with the Frankl scale, and each patient was individually reassessed after five visits from the first one by the same operator. The t test was used to compare the parameters before and after the inclusion in the dedicated dental pathway. From T1 to T2 we found a significant improvement of the IP (p < 0.001), IG (p < 0.001), and the frequency of tooth brushing (p < 0.001). Concerning the frequency of snacks and the parameter dmft/DMFT, the differences in the observed averages were not significant (p > 0.05). The difference in collaboration between T1 and T2 evaluated by the Frankl scale was statistically significant (p < 0.001). It was found that the prevention program allowed a significant improvement in both clinical parameters and patient behaviour. The personalized digital supports can have a key role for success in familiarization and desensitization processes of patients affected by ASD, leading an increase in their collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Carli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Marco Pasini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Francesca Pardossi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Isabella Capotosti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | | | - Lisa Lardani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-9527-5328
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