ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an oral sensory stimulation home program on tooth-brushing of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). Methods : A single-subject ABA research design was employed for three children with ASD. The procedure consisted of a total of 15 sessions, including 4 during baseline period(A1), 8 during the intervention period (B), and 3 during the baseline regression period(A2). For the independent variable oral sensory stimulation home program was provided for children 2 or 3 times a day during the intervention period. For the dependent variables on tooth-brushing performance were rejection behavior and allocated time. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and oral sensory sensitivity in Sensory profile were measured before and the intervention, as well as after the baseline regression period. The result were presented using visual graph and bar graphs. Results : All children decrease rejection behaviors and increased allocated time on tooth-brushing. The parents reported increased performance and satisfaction on COPM for the tooth-brushing of their children. The oral sensory sensitivity decrease for all children in intervention period and the improvement in oral activity performance can be maintained after the intervention. Conclusion : This study result supports evidence that the oral sensory home program is beneficial in improving tooth-brushing performance in children with ASD with oral defensiveness.