Short report: Evaluating the safety and usability of head-mounted virtual reality compared to monitor-displayed video for children with autism spectrum disorder.

LAY ABSTRACT: This study investigated the safety and usability of a virtual reality experience for children with autism spectrum disorder in a laboratory setting. In our study, the negative effects of head-mounted display-virtual reality were similar to monitor-displayed video watching. At the same time, the participants indicated that the head-mounted display-virtual reality experience provided improved realism and sense of presence. This study is a first step in understanding the impact of head-mounted display on children with autism spectrum disorder.

"Girls don't have big tummies": The experiences of weight-related discussions for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Children with autism spectrum disorders appear to be at a higher risk of having obesity than their typically developing peers. Although it has been recommended that healthcare providers speak to children with autism spectrum disorders about the potential health risks of unhealthy weight, no previous research has explored how healthcare providers communicate with them about this topic. The purpose of this study was to explore children's perspectives and experiences of discussing weight-related topics in healthcare consultations. Eight children were interviewed, and an interpretive phenomenological analysis informed the research approach and analysis of the data. Results indicated that weight-related discussions with healthcare providers were often met with trepidation, anxiety, anger, and frustration. Children also expressed that they experienced weight stigma in clinical visits and everyday interactions. Weight stigma was often (unwittingly) projected by healthcare providers during appointments and had debilitating effects on children. Finally, higher weights emerged as a repetitive/restricted interest, and children reported body image challenges regarding their higher weights. Frameworks and tools that are specific to the needs and abilities of children with autism spectrum disorders are needed for healthcare providers to foster positive conversations about weight-related topics in an effort to promote lifelong wellness.

Weighty Conversations: Caregivers', Children's, and Clinicians' Perspectives and Experiences of Discussing Weight-Related Topics in Healthcare Consultations.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a higher risk of having obesity than their typically developing peers. Although it has been recommended that health care providers (HCPs) speak to caregivers and children about the risk of higher weights, no research has examined how HCPs communicate weight-related information. Furthermore, there is a dearth of evidence regarding how to approach and deliver optimal weight-related discussions among children with ASD and their caregivers. Given these knowledge gaps, 21 in-depth interviews were conducted with children with ASD, their caregivers, and HCPs. Using a qualitative analytic approach, data from interviews were analyzed thematically. Results suggest that HCPs at times projected weight stigma during clinical encounters, which did not motivate children and caregivers to work toward work loss or wellness. HCPs also described reticence in engaging families in weight-related conversations due to limited training, and lack of clinical tools to guide these conversations. All stakeholders identified a need to work together to establish a therapeutic partnership to discuss weight-related issues without blame or shame. The combination of strength-based communication approaches, establishing a strong therapeutic partnership, and development of clinical tools facilitating weight-related discussions for HCPs outlined in this article are potential vehicles to foster successful weight-related discussions while promoting lifelong wellness. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1500-1510. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a higher risk of having obesity. Yet, it is unknown how healthcare providers (HCPs) should deliver weight-related information. Findings suggest children and caregivers experienced weight stigma and were uncomfortable discussing weight-related issues. HCPs identified that they did not have sufficient training, and did not feel confident identifying/addressing weight issues. Tools are needed to facilitate weight-related discussions among children, caregivers and HCPs.