Abstract
To examine toothbrushing behavior and cooperative attitude during assisted toothbrushing in patients with autism spectrum disorder （ASD） accompanying intellectual disability, we investigated the relationship between age and toothbrushing behavior based on the pass rate.
The method of investigation was direct interviews with parents. The items examined were implementation or non-implementation of parent-assisted toothbrushing, cooperative attitude during assisted toothbrushing, acquisition of self toothbrushing skills, and establishment of toothbrushing habit. The pass rates were compared among age groups.
Results:
1. The proportion of “patients who are receiving assisted toothbrushing” was found to be lower in the age group of 12-14 years with a significantly higher pass rate （p＜0.05） compared with the next younger age group.
2. The pass rate for “cooperative toward assistance with toothbrushing” was significantly higher （p＜0.05） in the age group of 6-11 years compared with the next younger age group.
3. The pass rate for “self toothbrushing skills” was found to be significantly increased （p＜0.001） in the age group of 6-11 years compared to the next younger age group.
4. The pass rate for “toothbrushing habit” in each age group was found to be significantly increased （p＜0.05） in the age group of 15-17 years compared to the next younger age group.
Conclusion: In regard to the developmental process of toothbrushing behavior in patients with ASD accompanying intellectual disability, the pass rates were found to exhibit marked increases in specific age groups, whereas some pass rates showed moderate shifts, indicating they were attained gradually.
