Comparative Evaluation of Indian raga based procedural instructions in rhyming verse form and audio-visual aids on dental anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder during administration of local anaesthesia: A randomized crossover trial

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience heightened dental anxiety, particularly during invasive procedures such as administration of local anaesthesia, due to sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties. Conventional audiovisual distraction techniques may not always be effective or well tolerated in this population. Music therapy, especially structured Indian raga-based music, has shown potential in modulating emotional and physiological responses and may serve as a sensory-adaptive, non-pharmacological intervention.

This randomized crossover clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of customized Indian raga-based audio incorporating rhythmic and rhyming procedural instructions with audio-visual distraction aids in reducing dental anxiety in children aged 6–12 years with ASD during administration of local anaesthesia. Each participant will undergo two intervention visits—one with audiovisual distraction and one with the raga-based audio intervention—separated by a washout period of at least one week.

Dental anxiety will be assessed using physiological parameters including electrodermal activity, heart rate, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation, along with behavioural assessment tools such as Venham’s Picture Test and Venham’s Clinical Anxiety Rating Scale. The study seeks to determine whether the raga-based auditory intervention provides superior anxiety reduction and improved cooperation compared to standard audiovisual distraction during dental procedures in children with ASD.