Study Finds Adaptations in the Dental Setting Make All the Difference for Children With Autism

A study conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the University of Southern California found that visual, auditory, and tactile adaptations in the dental clinic significantly increased the likelihood of successful dental appointments for children with autism. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study included 162 patients with autism, half who received prophylaxes in a traditional dental environment and half who underwent the same treatment but in an adapted setting that included blackout curtains, slow-motion visual effects projected on the ceiling, calming music, and placement of a lead apron and butterfly wrap to simulate a hugging sensation that has been found to calm the nervous system. Those who received treatment in the adaptive environment displayed much lower levels of stress as measured by electrodermal activity. Click here to read more.