Factors Influencing Psychotropic Medication Use in a National Sample of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background. Gluten-free and casein-free diet is frequently used in the support of therapy of children with autism spectrum disorders. In addition, many parents restrict the consumption of simple sugars for their children. Objective. The aim of this paper was to understand factors influencing purchase decision in case of family with children with autism spectrum disorders on gluten-free and/or casein-free and/or sugar-free diet and the difficulties associated with this type of nutrition. Material and methods. The study covered a group of 40 families with children with autism spectrum disorders (32 boys and 8 girls) aged 3 to 10 years. Data were collected with questionnaire included questions concerning overall characteristics of caregivers, availability of foods used in the special diet, factors affecting decision on the purchase of products, difficulties in maintaining the child nutrition method. Results. The factors having strongest impact on parents’ decisions on the purchase of products were product composition, presence of a certificate confirming the absence of gluten and/or milk and taste values. Exclusion diet constituted a considerable obstruction for traveling, social gatherings and resulted in conflicts with family and the environment. The limited range of healthy gluten-free, casein-free and sugar-free foods, low taste quality and unsatisfactory quality impeded purchase and preparation of varied meals. Conclusions. The surveyed parents were aware consumers, paying attention primarily to product composition and safety. The respondents were looking for healthy, organic and nutritionally valuable products with low sugar content. Further development of the gluten/casein/ sugar free products market may considerably improve certain aspects of family’s life with children with autism spectrum disorders.

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The relationship between symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and psychotropic medication use in infants and toddlers

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

10.1016/j.rasd.2011.05.013 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 1406-1411 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Max Horovitz ◽

Johnny L. Matson ◽

Alyse Barker

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Psychotropic Medication ◽

Medication Use ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Infants And Toddlers ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

The Relationship

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A Longitudinal Investigation of Psychotropic and Non-Psychotropic Medication Use Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ◽

10.1007/s10803-009-0750-3 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 1339-1349 ◽

Cited By ~ 133

Author(s):

Anna J. Esbensen ◽

Jan S. Greenberg ◽

Marsha Mailick Seltzer ◽

Michael G. Aman

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Psychotropic Medication ◽

Medication Use ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Longitudinal Investigation ◽

Adolescents And Adults ◽

Spectrum Disorders

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Parent Perceptions of Factors Influencing After-School Physical Activity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly ◽

10.1123/apaq.29.1.63 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 63-80 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Iva Obrusnikova ◽

Dannielle L. Miccinello

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Parent Perceptions ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

After School ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Group Interviews

The study assessed parental perceptions of the benefits of physical activity (PA) and the factors that influence participation of children with autism spectrum disorders in PA after school. Data were collected from 103 parents using an online open-ended questionnaire and focus-group interviews. Data were analyzed using a socioecological model. Parents provided 225 responses that were coded as advantages, 106 as disadvantages, 225 as facilitators, and 250 as barriers of PA. The most frequently reported advantages were physical, followed by psychosocial, and cognitive. Disadvantages were psychosocial and physical. The most frequently reported barriers were intrapersonal, followed by interpersonal, physical, community, and institutional. Facilitators were intrapersonal, followed by physical, interpersonal, community, and institutional. Public policy factors were elicited in the interviews.

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