A Review of Strategies to Increase Comfort and Compliance with Medical/Dental Routines in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Sara Kupzyk, Keith D Allen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Noncompliance with basic health care can have profound effects on long term health and well-being for everyone, but especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Perhaps the factor most responsible for noncompliance is the fear associated with medical and dental procedures. We reviewed the research literature to identify the empirical support for interventions designed to address noncompliance with medical routines in the IDD population. Across 32 studies that were reviewed, the most common components used in treatment of fear avoidance and noncompliance with medical/dental routines were graduated exposure and contingent reinforcement. Promising alternative and supplemental treatments are discussed. Step-by-step practice recommendations for preventing the need for treatment, preparing for treatment of noncompliance, and implementing treatment are included.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)231-249
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2019

Keywords

  • Avoidance
  • Fear
  • Graduated exposure
  • Medical nonadherence
  • Noncompliance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Review of Strategies to Increase Comfort and Compliance with Medical/Dental Routines in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this