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Development of a toolkit to help parents/caregivers manage feeding problems in autistic children: A protocol for a

Zoe L Connor1,2, Lou Atkinson3,4, Rachel Bryant-Waugh5,6

  • 1Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment & School of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Plos One
|October 16, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study aims to create a toolkit blueprint to help parents manage feeding problems in autistic children, addressing a common issue that impacts health and development. The toolkit will offer accessible, early intervention support for families.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Intervention Science

Background:

  • Autistic children frequently experience feeding difficulties, impacting their health, development, and overall quality of life.
  • Parents often struggle to identify when and how to seek support for these feeding challenges.
  • Existing support services for feeding problems in autistic children across the UK are often insufficient or inaccessible.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop the blueprint for an online toolkit designed to assist parents and caregivers in managing feeding problems experienced by their autistic children.
  • To provide a tailored, accessible, and scalable early intervention resource for families navigating these challenges.

Main Methods:

  • The project follows Medical Research Council guidance for developing complex interventions, utilizing three work packages: a realist review, a realist evaluation involving interviews with autistic individuals, parents, and professionals, and co-design of the toolkit blueprint.
  • Realist theory and behaviour change theory inform the methodology.
  • A participatory research approach includes autistic individuals, parents, and professionals, with a public and patient involvement advisory group ensuring relevance and accessibility.

Main Results:

  • The study will generate programme theories based on literature review and stakeholder interviews.
  • Candidate components for an online toolkit will be identified through the application of behaviour change theory to the refined programme theories.
  • A detailed textual outline, or blueprint, of the toolkit will be co-designed with input from experts, parents, and professionals.

Conclusions:

  • This project lays the groundwork for a prototype toolkit to support parents of autistic children with feeding issues.
  • The developed blueprint will facilitate the subsequent creation and refinement of an effective, evidence-based intervention.
  • Improved early intervention for feeding problems in autistic children has the potential to significantly enhance health outcomes and quality of life.

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