Story time at the dentist: new trial aims to ease anxiety for autistic children
NCT ID NCT07166978
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a 'social story' — a short, step-by-step picture story — can help autistic preschool children feel less anxious and more cooperative during dental checkups. 106 children in Hong Kong will be split into two groups: one gets the dental story, the other gets an unrelated story. Researchers will measure how long exams take, how calm the children are, and whether the story saves money. The goal is to make dental care easier for kids with autism.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
social story
What this could lead to
If it works, this could give dentists and families a simple, low-cost tool to make dental visits less stressful for autistic children.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 106 children in Hong Kong. The social story may not reduce fear or improve cooperation as hoped, and results may not apply to all autistic children.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
RECRUITINGHong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••