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

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-80 ◽  
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.

Parent Perceptions of Barriers to Friendship Development for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda L. Daughrity
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Parent Perceptions ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Friendship Development ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Social Exposure

This current study explores parent perceptions of barriers to friendship development for highly verbal children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in mainstream academic settings. Participants were 10 parents of school-age children with ASD in mainstream classrooms. Findings from semistructured interviews and qualitative analysis pointed to five central themes regarding barriers to friendship development: propinquity, attempts at social exposure, common social problems within ASD, siblings as a protective factor, and parent networks. Results suggest parent networks among parents with mainstreamed children may help to facilitate social opportunities both in and out of school. Further investigation is needed to explore possible solutions to help parents to better support friendship development.

Difficulties and factors influencing purchase decision. The perspective of families with children with autism spectrum disorders on a gluten-free and casein-free diet. Preliminary study

2020 ◽  
pp. 321-328
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Purchase Decision ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Product Composition ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Families With Children

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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