Toothbrushing help for teens on the autism spectrum
Testing a Mobile App to Improve Toothbrushing Skills and Habits in Teens with Autism.
A mobile app helps teens with autism learn and keep better toothbrushing habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11336313 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a phone or tablet app called Brush Up that combines a cartoon brushing model with your device's front-facing camera so teens can brush along while watching themselves and the exemplar. The app relies on video self-modeling and repeated practice, and it includes autism-friendly options to address common sensory sensitivities. The team will first pilot the updated app features and then run a larger efficacy trial with teens on the autism spectrum to measure brushing duration and technique. Families will use the app at home and may be asked to come to the University of Washington for some study visits and assessments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Teens on the autism spectrum who can tolerate a smartphone or tablet camera, follow simple guided prompts, and are interested in improving their toothbrushing are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Teens who cannot tolerate cameras or screens, require full-time hands-on oral care from a caregiver, or have severe cognitive or sensory barriers may not benefit from the app-based approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could help teens with autism brush more effectively and regularly, reducing cavities and supporting greater independence in daily oral care.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier testing showed Brush Up improved brushing duration in typically developing children and caregivers of autistic teens reported strong interest, but this is the first larger efficacy trial focused on teens with autism.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chi, Donald Leslie — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Chi, Donald Leslie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.