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Special Health Care Needs

318 - Task strip utilization in improving oral hygiene in children with autism

Saturday, May 23, 2026
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Kyrollos Raghib, DMD

    Pediatric dental resident
    Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Nova Southeastern University
    apopka, Florida, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Naga Sucharitha Tadepalli, DMD (she/her/hers)

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    Nova Southeastern University
    Nova Southeastern University

    • Program Director(s)

  • RC

    Roberto Cabassa, yes

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

Abstract: Body: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties maintaining adequate oral hygiene at home and are at increased risk for dental caries and periodontal disease compared to neurotypical peers. Visual task strips are commonly used by healthcare professionals and behavioral therapists to teach structured behaviors and have demonstrated effectiveness in children with ASD. This study evaluated the use of visual task strips to support oral hygiene practices in children with ASD at the MSC clinic.



Methods: Children with ASD (N = 55) and moderate to high plaque levels (Silness and Löe index ≥2) were assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) or a yoked control group (n = 25). The experimental group received ABA-guided, home-based task strip toothbrushing instruction. Plaque scores (0–3) were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months. Changes in plaque levels over time were analyzed using a two-way mixed ANOVA.



Results: Participants had a mean age of 5.93 ± 1.92 years and were predominantly male, White, and Hispanic. Mean plaque scores decreased significantly from baseline (1.65) to 1 month (1.16) and 2 months (0.95). A significant effect of time (P < .001) and a significant time-by-treatment interaction (P = .024) were observed, favoring the task strip group.



Conclusions: Home-based task strip–guided toothbrushing was associated with significant plaque reduction over time and may enhance routine oral hygiene in children with ASD.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number:
Research supported by Nova Southeastern University, Health Professions Division grant number 334741 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.