Parent and Adolescent Attitudes Toward a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Acadia W Buro; Heewon L Gray; Russell S Kirby; Jennifer Marshall; LaShae Rolle; Jamie Holloway

doi:10.1007/s41252-022-00286-2

Parent and Adolescent Attitudes Toward a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Adv Neurodev Disord. 2023;7(1):94-106. doi: 10.1007/s41252-022-00286-2. Epub 2022 Sep 17.

Authors

Acadia W Buro¹, Heewon L Gray², Russell S Kirby², Jennifer Marshall², LaShae Rolle², Jamie Holloway³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, 4117 E Fowler Ave. , Tampa, FL 33617 USA.
² College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA.
³ School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA.

Abstract

Objectives: This qualitative study examined acceptability, perceived benefits, and unintended consequences of a virtual implementation of an 8-week theory-driven nutrition intervention (BALANCE) for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: Twenty-one parent interviews and six adolescent focus groups or interviews (n = 12; group size ranged 1-5) were conducted. Data were collected virtually via Microsoft Teams and analyzed for a priori and emergent themes.

Results: The intervention was generally acceptable. Adolescents and parents reported that they were comfortable with the virtual format and the interactive group setting. Parents of adolescents 15 years and older emphasized the importance of autonomy/independence. Participants reported changes in adolescents' psychosocial determinants of dietary intake, including knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as diet changes (e.g., self-regulation).

Conclusions: The virtual implementation of BALANCE was acceptable according to adolescents with ASD and their parents based on their reported perceptions and feelings about the intervention. The findings suggest that many adolescents with ASD may benefit from virtual group interventions. Quantitative research is needed to examine behavioral outcomes of the BALANCE intervention.

Keywords: Adolescents; Autism; Nutrition; Qualitative research; Telehealth.

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