Parents' Perceptions Regarding the Effectiveness of Dental Desensitization for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Purpose: Desensitization is a behavior guidance technique that has been used to help improve behavior and capacity to receive dental care in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to elicit parents' perspectives regarding the effectiveness, benefits, and barriers associated with desensitization. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Participants included parents of children with ASD who received regular dental care in a pediatric hospital. Data were collected through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded to be transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Thirteen parents were interviewed. The findings indicate that desensitization improved children's dental care experience, as the repetition of appointments allowed them to develop familiarity in the clinical setting, reduced their stress and anxiety, and consequently treatment acceptance. However, parents described certain barriers to desensitization, including the organization and burden of frequent appointments and structural and financial issues, as the cost associated with desensitization visits was not covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Conclusion: Desensitization is seen by parents as an important avenue for improving dental encounters for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Economic instability and child maltreatment risk: Evidence from state administrative data.

BACKGROUND: The effects of economic instability and the role of economic conditions preceding child protective services (CPS) involvement have not been fully considered in the child welfare literature. OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the link between earnings instability and CPS involvement. Specifically, it examines whether adequate access to safety net programs mitigates the likelihood of child welfare involvement when families encounter negative earnings shocks. METHODOLOGY: The study used quarterly administrative data from a sample of at-risk families for CPS involvement in Wisconsin. Event history analysis was employed to estimate the relationship between earnings instability and subsequent child maltreatment investigations. RESULT: Experiencing a negative earnings shock of 30% or more increases the likelihood of CPS involvement by approximately 18%. The effect diminishes and becomes nonsignificant when an earnings decline is compensated by benefit receipt. Each additional earnings drop is associated with a 15% greater likelihood of CPS involvement. Each consecutive quarter with stable income is associated with 5% lower probability of a CPS report. The results are more pronounced for abuse than neglect and are marginally significant for neglect reports. CONCLUSION: Unfavorable economic instability is linked to greater CPS-involvement risk, particularly for child abuse. Moreover, accessing sufficient social benefits as supplemental income when negative earnings shocks occur serves to effectively buffer against the risk of child maltreatment, particularly among families with young children (ages 0-4).