Cooperation predictors for dental patients with autism.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated potential predictors of cooperation during dental appointments for children with autism.


METHODS
Data were collected from 108 parent/child pairs and their dentists. Questions included: (1) medical/dental history; (2)functional language; (3) personal hygiene skills; (4) academic setting; and (5) achievements. Behavior was scored using the Frankl scale.


RESULTS
Subjects were 80 males and 28 females 2.7 to 19 years old with a mean age of 9.8 years. Frankl scores were 65% uncooperative (definitely negative or negative) and 35% cooperative (positive or definitely positive). Multiple factors predicted uncooperative behavior: (1) appointment type (P=.03); (2) concurrent medical diagnoses (P=.04); (3) nonverbal/minimal or echololic language (P=.005); (4) inability to understand language appropriate for age (P=.02); (5) inability to follow multistep instructions (P=.04); (6) parents providing most/all tooth-brushing (P=.004); (7) partially or not toilet trained at 4+ years (P=.02); (8) inability to sit for a haircut (P=.01); (9) attending special education (P<.001); and (10) inability to read at 6+ years (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Five questions readily answered by a caregiver may indicate a child's cooperative potential. Preappointment inquiry about toilet training, toothbrushing, haircuts, academic achievement and language can give the dentist insight into the child's ability to respond positively to behavior guidance techniques based on communication.
Marshall
Jennifer
J
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Wash., USA. mammelon@hotmail.com
Sheller
Barbara
B
Williams
Bryan J
BJ
Mancl
Lloyd
L
Cowan
Charles
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003710:Demography; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D012307:Risk Factors; D014705:Verbal Behavior