title: Use of a Picture Exchange Communication System for preventive procedures in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: pilot study.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in order to facilitate patient-professional communication during preventive procedures. In this study, 26 patients with ASD, between 5 and 19 years of age (10±3.3 y), were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 13) with no previous experience of dental treatment, and G2 (n = 13), with such previous experience. The initial approach followed the principles of the Son-Rise Program®. The seven PECSs presented the routine of the dental office: "room," "ground," "chair," "dentist," "mouth," "low," and "triple." Each PEC was used up to three times in order to acquire the skill proposed. It was verified that G2 required a greater number of times to achieve the acceptance of PECS "ground," "dentist," "mouth," and "triple" (p < .05). We concluded that PECS facilitated patient-professional communication during preventive procedures, including for ASD patients with previous dental experience.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Patients with Special Needs, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil. zinkpinho@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Adriana Gledys
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Zink
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry,Pediatric Dentistry, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Michele Baffi
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Patients with Special Needs, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Teresa Botti
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Rodrigues Dos Santos
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Patients with Special Needs, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renata Oliveira
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Guaré
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods*; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: autism spectrum disorder; communication disorders; dentistry; preventive dentistry