Sensory Adapted Dental Rooms Reduce Autistic Children’s Stress During Teeth Cleaning
Sensory Adaptations to Improve Physiological and Behavioral Distress During Dental Visits in Autistic Children
Published: 2023-06-03
Author: University of Southern California | Contact: usc.edu
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Yes
Journal Reference: DOI Link to the Study Paper
Library of Related Papers: Autism Information Publications
Summary | Defining Sensory Adapted | Main Article | About/Author
Synopsis: Results of study of autistic children show safe and feasible adaptations to the dentist clinic environment created more relaxed, less anxious dental care experiences. Compared to typically developing peers, autistic children experience greater oral health care challenges, which are often associated with heightened responses to sensory input. In addition to oral care disparities experienced specifically by autistic children, the study may also help close an ethnic disparity gap, as 72 percent of parents of the children enrolled self-identified as Hispanic.
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Definition
Sensory Adapted
Sensory adaptation, also known as neural adaptation, is a reduction in sensitivity to a stimulus after constant exposure to it. All five senses, sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste, can experience sensory adaptation. Depending on the stimulus, receptors may increase or decrease their ability to respond, and will develop an enhanced or diminished sensitivity to the stimulus. [...]