title: Feasibility of a sensory-adapted dental environment for children with autism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an example of an occupational therapy feasibility study and evaluate the implementation of a randomized controlled pilot and feasibility trial examining the impact of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) to enhance oral care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two children with ASD and 22 typically developing children, ages 6-12 yr, attended a dental clinic in an urban hospital. Participants completed two dental cleanings, 3-4 mo apart, one in a regular environment and one in a SADE. Feasibility outcome measures were recruitment, retention, accrual, dropout, and protocol adherence. Intervention outcome measures were physiological stress, behavioral distress, pain, and cost.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We successfully recruited and retained participants. Parents expressed satisfaction with research study participation. Dentists stated that the intervention could be incorporated in normal practice. Intervention outcome measures favored the SADE condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary positive benefit of SADE in children with ASD warrants moving forward with a large-scale clinical trial.
authors: Sharon A. Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, is Professor, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; cermak@usc.edu.
authors: Sharon A
authors: SA
authors: Cermak
authors: Leah I. Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors: Leah I
authors: LI
authors: Stein Duker
authors: Marian E. Williams, PhD, is Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
authors: Marian E
authors: ME
authors: Williams
authors: Christianne Joy Lane, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors: Christianne Joy
authors: CJ
authors: Lane
authors: Michael E. Dawson, PhD, is Professor, Department of Psychology, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors: Michael E
authors: ME
authors: Dawson
authors: Ann E. Borreson, MD, is Research Associate, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors: Ann E
authors: AE
authors: Borreson
authors: José C. Polido, DDS, MS, is Division Head-Dentistry, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
authors: José C
authors: JC
authors: Polido
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D004777:Environment; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012677:Sensation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*