Realist evaluation of a transdisciplinary mealtime management service for autistic children

Abstract

Autistic children commonly experience mealtime difficulties; however, it is unknown what makes an effective transdisciplinary mealtime service for autistic children. This study used a realist evaluation framework to explore caregivers’ and therapists’ perceptions of the contexts, mechanisms and associated outcomes of a transdisciplinary mealtime management service for autistic children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six caregivers of autistic children engaged in a transdisciplinary mealtime service and 10 therapists providing the service, with interview data analysed using a realist evaluation approach. Four-context (child factors, family factors, therapist factors and institutional parameters), three-mechanism (transdisciplinary collaboration, child-centred approach and managing caregiver expectations) and two-outcome (impact on the child and impact on the caregiver) themes were identified. Findings highlighted that transdisciplinary collaboration, a child- and family-centred approach and managing caregiver expectations are key mechanisms providing a foundation for the development of evidence-based mealtime services for autistic children.

RAS ID

56685

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

2023

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

Copyright

subscription content

Publisher

Sage

Comments

Chan, W. T., Chong, C. L. E., Goh, Z. M., Ling, C. X. X., Tong, R., Davey, M., & Black, M. H. (2023). Realist evaluation of a transdisciplinary mealtime management service for autistic children. Autism, 27(6), 1547–1559. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221140717

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1177/13623613221140717