From the Research
The recommended approach for conducting a hygiene assessment in an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) teenager male involves creating a structured, predictable, and supportive environment, as supported by the most recent study 1 that highlights the challenges faced by children with ASD in maintaining good oral hygiene practices. When conducting a hygiene assessment, it is essential to establish rapport and trust before the assessment, using clear, concrete language that matches the teen's communication abilities. Some key points to consider include:
- Using visual supports such as schedules, checklists, or social stories to explain the assessment process and hygiene expectations
- Considering sensory sensitivities that may affect hygiene practices, such as aversions to certain smells, textures, or sounds from hygiene products
- Involving parents or caregivers to provide accurate information about current hygiene routines and challenges
- Focusing the assessment on specific hygiene domains including showering/bathing, dental care, hair care, deodorant use, handwashing, and clothing changes
- Assessing both the teen's knowledge of hygiene practices and their actual implementation skills, as emphasized in a study 2 that highlights the need for education programs to encourage the inclusion of children with ASD in basic habits of oral care. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the unique challenges faced by adolescents with ASD, including potential executive functioning difficulties that affect hygiene task initiation and completion, sensory processing issues, and social understanding of hygiene importance, as discussed in a review 3 that summarizes evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of ASD. Additionally, a scoping review 4 highlights the correlation between dental hygiene challenges in children with ASD and parental stress, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment during the assessment. By prioritizing the most recent and highest quality study 1, we can ensure that the recommended approach is evidence-based and effective in addressing the hygiene needs of ASD teenager males.