Effectiveness of Picture Exchange Communication System on Gingival Health of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Condition: Autism Spectrum Disorder
MeSH terms: Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Study type: Interventional

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).
    

Intervention name(s): Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): 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.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Intervention model description: Children with ASD ages 4-16 years
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS); Tooth-brushing program; Gingival index; Plaque index