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Special Health Care Needs

97 - Behavioral Impact of Audiovisual Aids for Children with ASD

Friday, May 22, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • MEENA THAPA, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Plantation, Florida, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • CB

    Catalina Botero, DDS

    Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • Jennifer Chung, PhD

    Adjunct Faculty
    Nova Southeastern University
    Nova Southeastern University
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • RC

    Roberto Cabassa, yes

    Director Post-Graduate Program
    Nova Southeastern University
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Abstract:

Purpose:
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience heightened sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and behavioral challenges during dental treatment, making routine care difficult. Audiovisual (AV) distraction has been explored as a non-pharmacologic strategy to improve cooperation. This study evaluated whether installing a ceiling-mounted television in a pediatric special-needs operatory improved behavioral outcomes in children with ASD using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale and Task Analysis Score (TAS).

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted at Nova Southeastern University’s Mailman Segal Dental Clinic. Records from children aged 3–10 years with a documented ASD diagnosis were included. Behavioral data from before and after installation of a ceiling-mounted television (April 13, 2023) were compared. Pre-intervention data spanned April 13, 2022–April 13, 2023; post-intervention data spanned April 13, 2023–April 13, 2024. Frankl scores (1–4) and TAS scores (0–100) from the first three visits were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples analyses in SPSS v28.

Results:
Two hundred records were reviewed (100 pre-intervention, 100 post-intervention). Mean TAS scores increased from 65.4 to 81.7 after TV installation, and mean Frankl scores improved from 2.4 to 3.1. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant improvements for both TAS (F(1,198) = 42.37, p < .001) and Frankl scores (F(1,198) = 36.82, p < .001).

Conclusion:
Audiovisual distraction significantly improved cooperation and reduced negative behaviors in children with ASD during dental treatment. Incorporating sensory-adapted environmental modifications, such as ceiling-mounted televisions, may reduce reliance on pharmacologic approaches and support more inclusive, patient-centered pediatric dental care.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Nova Southeastern University, Health Professions Division grant number 334744 and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number D88HP20126 and titled, “Postdoctoral Training in General, Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.