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Updated: Jan 13, 2026
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
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THE EFFICACY OF SENSORY-ADAPTED DENTAL INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SENSORY
A Veseli1, Sh Kosumi2, B Krasniqi3
11Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Alma Mater Europaea - Campus College Rezonanca, Prishtina, Kosovo; 2School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
Georgian Medical News
|January 9, 2026
Summary
Sensory adapted dental environments (SADEs) effectively reduce anxiety and improve cooperation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during dental visits. These tailored interventions offer a cost-effective solution for better oral health management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Developmental Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, leading to anxiety and resistance during dental appointments.
- This sensory sensitivity can negatively impact oral hygiene and overall dental health outcomes for children with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of sensory adapted dental environments (SADEs) in mitigating dental anxiety and enhancing behavioral cooperation in children with ASD.
- To synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on SADEs and related interventions for children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and June 2025.
- Keywords included "autism spectrum disorder," "sensory adapted dental environment," "multisensory," "dental anxiety," and "occupational therapy."
- Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, observational research, and systematic reviews, with qualitative data assessment.
Main Results:
- SADEs demonstrated consistent reductions in physiological and behavioral indicators of dental anxiety across multiple studies.
- Specific adaptations like dimmed lighting, nature sounds, and deep pressure wraps proved effective in reducing stress.
- Studies involving neurotypical children and those with Down syndrome also showed reduced anxiety and improved behavior in adapted environments.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence strongly supports the efficacy of SADEs in reducing anxiety and improving cooperation among children with ASD during dental care.
- SADEs are cost-effective, feasible, and adaptable to individual sensory needs.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term outcomes and community-based implementation.
