Dataset Information

Parent reported barriers and facilitators to support services for autistic children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

ABSTRACT:

Lay abstract

Parents might have problems in getting support services for their autistic child due to certain barriers. However, there might also be things that can ease or facilitate parents' access to support services. In this study, New Zealand parents were asked about their experiences in getting support services for their autistic child. We also looked at differences in reported barriers and facilitators based on several demographic factors with a focus on family level of financial resourcing. A total of 173 parents completed a survey. The results suggested that parents experienced several barriers, particularly related to service pathways. Facilitators were also experienced, predominantly related to providers. Financial resourcing predicted the number of parent-reported barriers. Both lower level of family financial resourcing and having a non-binary child predicted parents' rating of the extent of barriers. Child age and level of speech were predictors for reports of experiencing a higher number of facilitators, with parents of younger children or of non-speaking autistic children reporting a greater number of facilitators. We discuss how these results may be useful to support service delivery and identify areas for future research.

SUBMITTER: Wallace-Watkin C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10576898 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Parent reported barriers and facilitators to support services for autistic children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Wallace-Watkin Carla C Sigafoos Jeff J Woods Lisa L Waddington Hannah H

Autism : the international journal of research and practice 20230427

<h4>Lay abstract</h4>Parents might have problems in getting support services for their autistic child due to certain barriers. However, there might also be things that can ease or facilitate parents' access to support services. In this study, New Zealand parents were asked about their experiences in getting support services for their autistic child. We also looked at differences in reported barriers and facilitators based on several demographic factors with a focus on family level of financial r ...[more]

PMID: 37129303

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Project description:Introduction Children with autism spectrum disorder often face nutrition-related challenges, such as food selectivity, gastrointestinal issues, overweight and obesity, and inadequate nutrient intake. However, the role of routine nutrition-related screening or care by interdisciplinary health professionals is not well understood. This study aimed to compare the beliefs of health professionals with those of parents of autistic children regarding high-priority nutrition-related challenges, barriers and facilitators to care, and desired education and resources related to nutrition for autistic children. Participants Interdisciplinary health professionals (n = 25) (i.e., pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, board certified behavior analysts, registered dietitians) and parents of autistic children (n = 22). Methods The study used semi-structured phone interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, verified, and double-coded using the Framework Method. Results Thematic analysis of transcripts revealed that while health professionals and parents of autistic children shared some perspectives on nutrition-related challenges and care, they also had distinct viewpoints. Parents emphasized the importance of addressing food selectivity, behavioral eating challenges, sensory issues, and sleep disturbances affecting appetite. Both groups acknowledged the need for tailored support, access to an interdisciplinary care team, and reasonable expectations. Some health professionals perceived parents as lacking motivation or the ability to make changes. In contrast, many parents felt that health professionals lacked the knowledge and motivation to take nutrition or growth concerns seriously. Health professionals acknowledged that their lack of knowledge or capacity to provide nutrition education or referrals was a common barrier to care, particularly given limited community resources. Discussion Health professionals who serve autistic children are motivated to address nutrition-related challenges but lack resources related to nutrition. To promote better health outcomes for autistic children, professionals should identify and support parent motivations around nutrition-related care. Both groups expressed interest in accessing autism-specific resources for education, referral, and screening guidance. Future research could explore the development of healthcare training models that improve the competency of health professionals in providing nutrition care and referral for autistic children.

Dataset Information

Parent reported barriers and facilitators to support services for autistic children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Lay abstract

Publications

Parent reported barriers and facilitators to support services for autistic children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Similar Datasets

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