Evaluation of three techniques for the dental behavior management in autistic spectrum disorder patients

Abstract

Objective. Evaluate three behavior management techniques: Systematic Desensitization (SD), the Treament and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and Tell, Show, Do (TSD) Method, during dental care for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods. Eighteen people from Northeast Mexico diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder participated, with a range of 13 to 15 years, divided in to three groups, according to the TEACCH, SD and TSD technique with six participants per group. A dental prophylaxis was performed on the participants, using the behavior management and communication technique according to the group, the behavior was evaluated using the Frankl’s behavior rating scale (FBRS) and Comfort Behavior Scale (CBS). Chi square, ANOVA and Student’s t tests were used to compare the results. Results. Behavior evaluated with Frankl scale was definitely positive in TEACCH (33.3%) and DS (16.7%) groups. Similar positive behavior in the three groups (66,7%). Similar negative behavior in DS and DMH (16.7%). Definitively negative behavior only in the DMH group (16.7%). With CBS scale, only the DMH group presented increased muscle tone (p= 0.013) and evident not sustained tension in some facial muscles (p= 0.001), when compared with TEACCH and DS by ANOVA analysis. Conclusions. The three techniques evaluated are effective for managing behavior of people with ASD during dental treatment, however, in DMH technique, definitely negative behavior and a corporal-behavioral response were observed, reflecting emotional stress.