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Mobile App-Based Intervention to Improve Toothbrushing in Children and Teens With Autism
Sponsor: University of Washington
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether the autism-friendly app improves toothbrushing outcomes compared to a control app with only a digital mirror and countdown timer among children and teens (ages 8-17 years) with autism. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Will toothbrushing distribution, duration, and frequency be greater in the experimental arm than in the control arm? 2. Will toothbrushing habit formation be higher in the experimental arm than in the control arm? 3. Is caregiver and child self-efficacy a mediator of toothbrushing habit formation? 4. Do children who exhibit habit formation report better oral health-related quality of life? Participants will: 1. Use either the autism-friendly app or the control app during their daily toothbrushing routine for 3 months. 2. Complete surveys and assessments about toothbrushing behaviors and oral health over the course of the study.
Official title: Testing a Mobile App-Based Intervention to Improve Toothbrushing Skills and Habits in Children and Teens With Autism
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
8 Years - 17 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
270
Start Date
2026-03-01
Completion Date
2029-08-31
Last Updated
2026-03-03
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Brush Up App
The Brush Up app is an autism-friendly mobile app modified to improve toothbrushing skills and habits in children with autism spectrum disorder and includes a health education module, a cartoon role model, toothbrushing instructional song, digital screen mirror, and customizable app features.
Brush Down App
The Brush Down app provides health education module, a digital screen mirror and a countdown timer. This app does not include autism-friendly features.
Locations (1)
University of Washington School of Dentistry
Seattle, Washington, United States