Knowledge and Perception of Parents Towards Diet in Children With Autism

Abstract

Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) is a diet recommendation to reduce hyperactivity in children with autism. Lack of adherence and knowledge can lead to improper dietary application which will result in remaining health problems and hyperactive behavior of autistic children. The purpose of this study is to examine knowledge and perception of parents towards GFCF diet in children with autism. This descriptive-quantitative study used a total sampling technique to 57 parents of autistic children in 3 Bandung District Extraordinary Schools. Data was obtained through questionnaire with validity ranging from 0.315-0.912 and reliability of 0.788 and 0.932. Data was analyzed using frequency and percentage in descriptive statistics. Results showed that some parents lacked of knowledge (n = 28), and 67% of subjects (n = 38) had a positive perception of GFCF diet. Positive perception includes perception of benefits, perception of susceptibility, perception of self efficacy, and perception of severity. In the perception of barrier, some subjects had negative perception. Based on the results, several parents had positive perception of GFCF diet, although the parental knowledge related to this diet was in the low category. That is likely because of parents have not received sufficient information related to GFCF diet. Therefore, health workers especially community nurses are expected to collaborate with nutritionists in making regular visits in order to provide parents of autistic children with health education related to GFCF diet in extraordinary schools.

Exploring Eating and Nutritional Challenges for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents’ and Special Educators’ Perceptions

“…With limited research conducted on assessing the nutritional knowledge level among primary caretakers of children with ASD, findings have reported a lack of knowledge relating to nutrition [9,[13][14][15]. However, some showed positive perceptions towards specific special diets (restrictive diets) regardless of the low level of understanding of the diet [15]. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the nutritional knowledge among parents and special educators of children with ASD and how it reflects on their food provision practice through a qualitative approach.…”

“…Children with ASD are mainly taken care of by parents or a caregiver who mostly contribute to the decision-making process of food provisions for their child. With limited research conducted on assessing the nutritional knowledge level among primary caretakers of children with ASD, findings have reported a lack of knowledge relating to nutrition [9,[13][14][15]. However, some showed positive perceptions towards specific special diets (restrictive diets) regardless of the low level of understanding of the diet [15].…”

Mother’s Knowledge of Gluten and Casein Free Diet on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Its Application During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This shows that the level of knowledge of mothers is not comparable in implementing a gluten and casein-free diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several factors that influence parental compliance in implementing a gluten and caseinfree diet such as demographic factors, knowledge, therapeutic communication, attitudes, and family support [22].…”