Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Child's Weight–Related Behaviors: A Parents' Perspective

Authors

Michele Polfuss, Medical College of Wisconsin
Norah L. Johnson, Marquette UniversityFollow
Susan A. Bonis, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Fallon Apollon, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Kathleen Sawin, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

10 p.

Publication Date

11-2016

Publisher

Elsevier (WB Saunders)

Source Publication

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

Source ISSN

0882-5963

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2016.05.006

Abstract

Purpose

To explore parent perspectives of how the attributes of their child's autism spectrum disorder(ASD) impact nutrition, physical activity, screen time behaviors and risk for obesity. Secondarily, we examined the parent's perception of the healthcare providers (HCP) influence on these weight-related behaviors.

Design and method

We conducted and audio-recorded telephone interviews with parents of children with ASD (n = 8) using a structured question guide. Data were transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted. Issues surrounding weight-related behaviors and parental strategies used were reported.

Results

Two overarching themes with eight subthemes emerged: (1) Challenges related to features of ASD (subthemes included fixation on food, sensory issues/rigidity, developmental factors, impaired social skills, and medication effects) and (2) Challenges related to the care of children with ASD (subthemes included lack of individualized care planning, picking your battles and the impact of ASD on family).

Conclusion

Strategies extracted from the parent narratives promoted both healthy and unhealthy weight-related behaviors. The key finding in this study is that some parents did not follow HCP guidance when they perceived that the HCP did not understand their particular situation.

Practice Implications

Implementation of healthy weight-related behaviors can be optimized when providers consider the child's challenging ASD behaviors, affirm the difficulties encountered by the family and provide guidance that builds on the individual child/family strengths.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, Vol. 31, No. 6 (November-December 2016): 598-607. DOI. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Polfuss, Michele; Johnson, Norah L.; Bonis, Susan A.; Apollon, Fallon; and Sawin, Kathleen, "Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Child's Weight–Related Behaviors: A Parents' Perspective" (2016). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 439.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/439