Examining adaptations necessary to support the implementation of a parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder and moderate feeding problems
Authors: Pickard Katherine , Burrell T Lindsey , Brasher Susan , Buckley Derianne , Gillespie Scott , Sharp William , Scahill Lawrence 
Published: April 2023

Moderate feeding problems affect many children with autism spectrum disorder and often co-occur with disruptive mealtime behaviors. Although parent-mediated interventions have shown promise to support feeding problems, research has primarily occurred within randomized controlled trials when delivered by highly trained clinicians in specialty clinics. Thus, the alignment of these approaches within community settings is unclear. To address this limitation, this study explored adaptations to a parent-mediated intervention, Managing Eating Aversions and Limited Variety (i.e. MEAL Plan), to enhance its adoption, implementation, and sustainment within community settings, including factors that may support or hinder its translation. Participants were 14 multidisciplinary providers who attended one of the three workgroups that included semi-structured focus groups regarding the fit of MEAL Plan in their practice setting. Thematic analysis was used to determine emergent themes, which fell into the domains of content, contextual considerations, and training needs. Specific themes included the appropriateness MEAL Plan for autistic and non-autistic children, adaptations to MEAL Plan delivery, billing considerations, agency-level support, and the format of ongoing training and consultation. By proactively responding to these factors, it may be possible to enhance the implementation and sustainability of parent-mediated interventions, including MEAL Plan, within community practices that support autistic children.

Lay abstract

Moderate feeding problems and disruptive mealtime behaviors are common in children with autism spectrum disorder. Although parent-mediated interventions are able to support feeding problems in autistic children, most research has occurred within specialty clinics when delivered by highly trained clinicians. Thus, the fit of these interventions within community settings is not clear. To address this limitation, this study explored adaptations to a parent-mediated intervention, Managing Eating Aversions and Limited Variety (i.e. MEAL Plan), to improve its fit and use within community settings. Participants were 14 multidisciplinary providers who attended one of the three intensive workgroups that included focus groups about the fit of MEAL Plan in their practice setting. Qualitative analysis was used to determine the main themes that came up within the focus groups. Specific themes included the appropriateness MEAL Plan for autistic and non-autistic children, how providers might adapt their delivery of MEAL Plan, billing and insurance considerations, administrator support for MEAL Plan, and the content and format of ongoing training and consultation. By proactively considering and responding to these factors, it may be possible to enhance MEAL Plan so that it is better able to be delivered and sustained within community practices that support autistic children.