Effectiveness of audiovisual modeling on the behavioral change toward oral and dental care in children with autism

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual modeling on behavioral change of Autistic children toward oral and dental care. This prospective study was performed on 36 autistic children aged from 6 to 12 years old attending The “Egyptian Autistic Society (EAS).” Children participated in tooth brushing intervention program. They were randomly divided in to 3 different groups according to modeling methods of tooth brushing. Children in the first group were subjected to demonstration of tooth brushing steps using model representing upper and lower jaws, children in the second group were subjected to specific colored pictures explaining tooth brushing steps (pictorial Activity schedule (PAS)) and children in the third group were subjected to video modeling (Peer model brushing his teeth). Behavior of the children toward tooth brushing before and after running the program and the dental health knowledge and attitudes of parents toward dental care were assessed using a special questionnaire completed by parents and teachers of the children. Final evaluation was done after one month. The result of the study showed that: no statistically significant change in behavior of the children after the program in group A there was a statistically significant change in behavior of the children after program in Group B (PAS model) and Group C (video model). Visual pedagogy and Technology-based intervention is useful tool for helping Autistic children to improve their oral hygiene.