| The purpose of this study was to understand the oral health care experiences of young adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A qualitative descriptive research design was used. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling procedures. Semi-structured interviews were performed and audio-recorded. Data were analyzed simultaneously with data collection. Fifteen individuals participated in the study; ten males and five females. Participants revealed a range of feelings related to their oral care experiences from positive to neutral to negative. Individuals reported that improvements in communication were needed; some did not wish to disclose their ASD diagnosis with their oral care providers. Multiple auditory, visual, and tactile sensory challenges were experienced. Additional research is needed to further explore this phenomenon from the perspective of those individuals with ASD who are non-verbal and from the experience of oral health care professionals who are working with young adults with developmental disabilities.Key Words: autism spectrum disorder, young adults, qualitative, oral care, barriers to care, perception |