Effects Of Video Modeling And The Visual Pedagogy Module In Reducing Stress Levels Among Children With Autism, As Evaluated Using Salivary Alpha Amylase Levels

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of video modeling and the visual pedagogy module Berkunjung ke Dokter Gigi (VPM-BDG) in reducing stress level among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during dental care. Material and Methods: This is a clinical experimental study.To assess salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels, saliva samples were collected before and after interventions. We included 20 children with ASD who were aged 6_10 years, diagnosed by a pediatrician or psychiatrist, able to follow simple instructions, and in good health, who had never visited a dentist and had no comorbid abnormalities. The participants were divided into two groups: the video modeling intervention group (n = 10) and the VPM-BDG intervention group (n = 10). The Shapiro_Wilk test and Mann_Whitney U test were used to compare the efficacy of video modeling and the VPM-BDG in reducing stress levels, as evaluated based on sAA level changes. Results: A decrease in the sAA level was observed after video modeling and the VPM-BDG. The median sAA levels after video modeling and the VPM-BDG were 16.50 and 15.50, respectively. The Mann_Whitney U test obtained a p value = 0.970 (p> 0.05), which indicated no significant difference between the two interventions. Conclusion: Both video modeling and the VPM-BDG can reduce the stress level of children with ASD during dental care as evaluated based on changes in the sAA concentration.