ORCID
- Martha Paisi: 0000-0001-5718-008X
- Sarah Neill: 0000-0001-9699-078X
- Lorna Burns: 0000-0002-9525-952X
- T Vassallo: 0000-0002-7743-9834
- Robert Witton: 0000-0002-6424-4376
Abstract
AimThis study aimed to gather evidence on the factors that influence OH behaviours, access to and delivery of dental care for autistic CYP.DesignThis was a mixed-methods narrative systematic review.Data SourcesEmbase, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, MEDLINE, Psychinfo, Scopus, CINAHL, SocINDEX and grey literature were the data sources for this study.Review MethodsA systematic search was conducted for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research studies from countries with a High Development Index that related to OH behaviours, access to and delivery of dental care for autistic CYP. Results were analysed using narrative synthesis.ResultsFrom 59 eligible studies, 9 themes were generated: (1) affordability and accessibility; (2) autism-related factors and cognitive or motor skill differences; (3) the dental environment; (4) managing CYP's behaviour; (5) responding and adapting to the needs of the autistic CYP and their parent/carer; (6) attitude of dental health professionals (DHPs) towards autistic CYP and their parents/carers; (7) knowledge of how to care for and support CYP's OH; (8) empowerment of parents/carers and collaboration with DHPs; and (9) communication and building rapport.ConclusionThe adoption of healthy OH behaviours and access to dental care by autistic CYP is impacted by a range of factors including those intrinsically related to a diagnosis of autism, for example, communication and those often associated with autism, for example, sensory sensitivities. Access to better OH and dental care can be facilitated by responding to the individual needs of autistic CYP through accommodation, education and adaptation. This necessitates greater awareness and knowledge of autism amongst DHPs and the provision of appropriate services. More methodologically robust intervention studies are needed to identify effective ways to support autistic CYP in achieving good OH and access to dental care.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2022-08-01
Publication Title
Health Expectations
Volume
25
Issue
4
ISSN
1369-6513
Acceptance Date
2022-05-17
Deposit Date
2022-05-07
Embargo Period
2022-07-06
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
First Page
1269
Last Page
1318
Recommended Citation
Erwin, J., Paisi, M., Neill, S., Burns, L., Vassallo, I., Nelder, A., Facenfield, J., Devalia, U., Vassallo, T., & Witton, R. (2022) 'Factors influencing oral health behaviours, access and delivery of dental care for autistic children and adolescents: A mixed‐methods systematic review', Health Expectations, 25(4), pp. 1269-1318. Available at: 10.1111/hex.13544
