Sympathetic Response of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Dental Treatment Performed in a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment.

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. These challenges often make dental visits overwhelming and distressing for children with ASD. This study explores the use of electrodermal activity (EDA) to measure physiological stress responses and evaluates strategies to enhance cooperation during dental treatments in a sensory-adapted dental environment. We conducted a case series involving three children with ASD who required dental treatment. Each child's physiological responses to dental stimuli were monitored using EDA, which measures changes in skin conductance levels and skin conductance responses. Interventions included the use of dim lighting, the avoidance of loud noises, the application of firm pressure, the provision of sensory toys, social stories before appointments, and desensitization and video modeling techniques. All three patients exhibited phasic variations in EDA levels in response to stressful stimuli and tonic changes with calming stimuli. Case 1 responded to bright lights and unfamiliar settings with increased phasic activity, while calming stimuli like firm pressure resulted in tonic changes. Case 2 showed similar phasic responses to a weighted lap pad and tonic changes with music. Case 3 reacted to confined spaces and sudden light and touch with phasic variations and both a massager and music-induced tonic changes. Interventions were tailored to each patient's specific stressors, resulting in improved cooperation and reduced stress levels. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of EDA as a tool for monitoring stress responses in children with ASD during dental treatments. Tailoring interventions to individual sensory needs can significantly enhance patient cooperation and comfort. These findings highlight the importance of adapting dental environments and protocols to accommodate the unique needs of children with ASD, with collaborative efforts from occupational therapists and dentists.