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

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.

Recommended practices for virtual nutrition education interventions for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A reflection from two pilot interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were performed for all feasibility measures ( Buro et al, 2021 ). Six adolescent focus groups ( n = 12) and 21 parent interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes regarding intervention acceptability, perceived benefits, and unintended consequences using a coding reliability approach to thematic analysis ( Buro et al, 2022 ).…”