Parents' Perspectives on Barriers to Preventive Dental Care for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Summary: This study explores parents' and primary caregivers' experiences accessing preventive dental care, such as routine check-ups and cleanings, for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Canada. We hope to learn about challenges families encounter, positive experiences, and changes they believe would make dental services more accessible and inclusive. This research is being conducted as part of an undergraduate Honours thesis in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University.
Researchers: Jasmeen Sran, Undergraduate Honours Student, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University.
Who can participate? You may participate if you: Are at least 18 years old, Are a parent or primary caregiver of a child or adolescent diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Currently live in Canada, Have experience accessing or attempting to access preventive dental care for your child, Can participate in an interview conducted in English and provide informed consent.
What's involved? Take part in one 30–60-minute, one-on-one interview through Zoom or in person at SFU or another quiet, convenient location. Discuss your experiences accessing dental care for your child, oral hygiene at home, and suggestions for improving services. With your consent, interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed using Otter.ai. Identifying details will be replaced with pseudonyms. Participation is voluntary; you may skip questions, take a break, or stop at any time.
How will participants be compensated? Each participant who attends and begins the interview will receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card by email after the interview. Participants will receive the gift card even if they choose to stop or withdraw after the interview has begun.
Deadline to participate: Please express interest by November 3, 2026. Interviews must be completed by November 27, 2026.
Contact information: Jasmeen Sran, Student Lead
Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Email: jasmeen_sran@sfu.ca
Dr. Rochelle Tucker, Principal Investigator
Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Email: rochelle_tucker@sfu.ca