학술논문

Optimizing Parent Training to Improve Oral Health Behavior and Outcomes in Underserved Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Source
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Sep 2023 53(9):3683-3699.
Subject
Dental Health
Health Behavior
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Children
Parent Education
Intervention
Disadvantaged
Access to Health Care
At Risk Persons
Language
English
ISSN
0162-3257
1573-3432
Abstract
A randomized controlled trial established initial efficacy of a novel parent training (PT) intervention for improving oral hygiene and oral health in underserved children with ASD (Fenning et al., 2022), a population at risk for unmet dental needs. The present study describes our emic approach to PT development alongside treatment outcome data examining feasibility, acceptability, and engagement. Families with Medicaid-eligible children with ASD ages 3 to 13 years (85% male, 62% with intellectual disability) were assigned to receive PT (n = 60) or a psychoeducational toolkit (n = 59). Results indicate strong retention, fidelity, and adherence, with quantitative and qualitative metrics revealing high treatment satisfaction and utilization. Discussion focuses on implications for individualizing treatment to optimize engagement of underrepresented families.