Association of sensory sensitivities and toothbrushing cooperation in autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract

Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) is common in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and it leads to a more intense response to sensory stimuli. To compare toothbrushing cooperation at home and in a dental office between SOR and sensory not over-responsivity (SNOR) children with ASD. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 51 children with ASD aged 4-17years. Caregivers assessed each subject's sensory response by completing a back-translation questionnaire listing eight sensitivities. Subjects who had three or more of the sensitivities were considered SOR subjects. Toothbrushing cooperation in the dental office was recorded on videos. Statistical analysis used the Spearman correlation coefficient, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test. SNOR subjects (n=10) had significantly higher scores in toothbrushing cooperation at home and in the dental office than did SOR subjects (n=41) (P<.05). Oral sensitivity was significantly associated with toothbrushing cooperation at home, whereas oral, light, sound, and touch (face) sensitivities were significantly correlated with toothbrushing cooperation in the dental office (P<.05). SOR subjects showed less toothbrushing cooperation than SNOR subjects both at home and in the dental office.