Story time at the dentist: new trial aims to ease anxiety for autistic children

NCT ID NCT07166978

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
RECRUITING

Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong

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