Aim: The aim of this study was to recognize and assess the prognostic factors which could predict the level of cooperation of children with autism for dental appointments.
Methods: A total of 395 parents of children with autism participated in this study. Prognostic factors of cooperation were evaluated using questionnaires. Data were collected using parent surveys by a dentist.
Statistical analysis: Statistical analyses used in the present study include the formation one way and two-way frequency tables, binomial tests, Pearson's Chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact test, and collation of multiple proportions tests.
Results: Autistic children meeting their own needs, cooperation for nail-clipping and haircuts, smiling frequently, using toothbrushes and toothpaste and being assisted by parents for toothbrushing, and children who brushed their teeth once a day were more cooperative with the dentist. Children who had thumb-sucking and nail-biting habits were cooperative with the dentist. Children who bit their hands appeared to be more cooperative with the dentist when compared to other self-inflicting habits.
Conclusion: This study identified ”prognostic factors” such as their cooperative ability during nail clipping, hair cutting, and ability to read, write, and meet their own needs that are answered by a parent and that may show a child's cooperative potential.
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