Elizabeth Winburn’s research while affiliated with Solent NHS Trust and other places

What is this page?


This page lists works of an author who doesn't have a ResearchGate profile or hasn't added the works to their profile yet. It is automatically generated from public (personal) data to further our legitimate goal of comprehensive and accurate scientific recordkeeping. If you are this author and want this page removed, please let us know.

Publications (2)


Table 1 Child characteristics (n = 258) 
Figure 2 of 2
Parents' and Child Health Professionals' Attitudes Towards Dietary Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Article
  • Full-text available

September 2013

·

599 Reads

·

37 Citations

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Elizabeth Winburn

·

·

·

[...]

·

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) use a wide range of interventions including poorly evidenced dietary interventions. To investigate parents' and professionals' experience of dietary interventions and attitudes towards a proposed trial to evaluate the gluten free casein free diet (GFCFD). Survey of UK parents of children with ASD, and professionals. 258 parents and 244 professionals participated. 83 % of children had received a range of dietary manipulations; three quarters of professionals have been asked for advice about GFCFD. Respondents identified an inadequate evidence base for dietary interventions in ASD and suggested modifications to a proposed trial design. Both parents and professionals supported the need for further evaluation of dietary interventions in ASD.

Download

Table 1 Child characteristics (n = 258) 
Figure 2 of 2
Parents' and Child Health Professionals' Attitudes to Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Findings From a UK Survey

Trials

Aims To investigate parents' and child health professionals' attitudes towards dietary interventions including the GFCF diet. To assess the feasibility of an RCT of this diet in preschool children with autism, and identify potential barriers and facilitators for successful trial completion. Methods UK parents of children with ASD and child health professionals were invited to complete a short web-based questionnaire. Results (Findings to Date) 247 of 361 parents and 248 of 317 professionals (of these 42% were paediatricians, 35% child and adolescent psychiatrists; 23% dieticians and “other” professionals) who expressed an interest have completed the relevant versions of the questionnaire. Parents: Just under half (46%) were currently giving their child dietary supplements. 84% were aware of GFCF diet (51% of these had heard about it from other parents). A third were implementing special diets, mainly GFCF (81%), and all but 2 of these families were also using dietary supplements. Three quarters of parents said they would “definitely” take part, or would consider participating in an RCT of GFCF diet. Parents commented that they would be more likely to enrol their child knowing they would have access to a study dietician. Professionals: 50% of all respondents reported they did not know enough about the efficacy of the GFCF diet to advise families and 72% had been approached by parents for advice about this diet. The majority of professionals (94%) strongly supported the need for evaluation of the GFCF diet and 75% would be prepared to recruit children to a future trial. Conclusion These findings confirm the need to evaluate biomedical interventions such as the GFCF diet. Facilitators and barriers towards recruitment and retention of families for a future RCT have been identified. Professionals and parents have shown support through their preparedness to refer, and willingness to participate.

Citations (1)


... Several survey studies have highlighted positive outcomes associated with therapeutic diets, showing improvements in specific ASD symptoms such as behavior, communication, and overall health. Additionally, benefits have been reported in managing GI problems, attention issues, communication skills, and social interaction [20,21]. Despite widespread interest in dietary interventions, there is no agreement on effective nutritional therapy. ...

Reference:

Exploring Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parents' and Child Health Professionals' Attitudes Towards Dietary Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders