Comparative Evaluation of Music and Movement Therapy and Visual Pedagogy as Interventional Tools in Promoting Oral Health in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of music and movement therapy (M&MT) and visual pedagogy (VP) as interventional tools in promoting oral health in children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two children with ASD aged 7-15 years were randomized into two groups (N = 36), Group I received M&MT and Group II received VP. Plaque and gingival indices were recorded at baseline and the end of first, second, and third months. Perception questionnaires and a checklist to evaluate toothbrushing skills were distributed to their parents. An inter-group comparison with independent t-test and Intra group Comparison using paired t-test were performed.

RESULTS: The mean plaque index score for Group I and II at the end of third month (0.27 + 0.71, 0.71 + 0.26), and the mean gingival index score for Group I and II at the end of third month 0.29 + 0.15, 0.62 + 0.26 which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Significant improvement in toothbrushing skills was observed in children of Group I.

CONCLUSIONS: Children with ASD in Group I learnt toothbrushing skills expeditiously when compared to children in Group II. Therefore, it can be concluded that M&MT could be an effective tool in training toothbrushing skills.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2022/10/046615 (Clinical Trial Registry).