Mealtime Experiences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Perspectives of Filipino Occupational Therapists in Cebu: Implications for Practice

Authors

Blaise Audre V. Barrientos, Velez CollegeFollow
Alyanna Freyse T. Badajos, Velez CollegeFollow
Erika Faye M. Bucog, Velez CollegeFollow
Rosse Velle C. Mauro, Velez CollegeFollow
Paolo Miguel P. Bulan, Velez CollegeFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Occupational therapists (OTs) handle children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a common concern is how their sensory processing issues affect their feeding habits. There is limited information regarding interventions about this issue both locally and internationally. This study aims to know the experiences of OTs providing feeding interventions associated with sensory issues for children with ASD. It will also describe what approaches they used for these interventions. Method: Qualitative phenomenology using in-depth interviews with nine OTs in Cebu, Philippines was conducted, and data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: 1) a family that feeds together, stays together, 2) key to mealtime challenges, 3) root of mealtime challenges, 4) highs and lows of a therapist on feeding interventions, and 5) teletherapy as a sign of times. Conclusion: OTs and parents look at foundational skill deficits of a child with ASD and relate the said skill deficits to mealtime behaviors and challenges. Results provided in-depth description of what current intervention approaches the selected therapists choose and how they are applied and combined in targeting feeding concerns and sensory issues that relate to feeding. Handling feeding issues is also an opportunity for OTs to work with other healthcare professionals.

Author Bio(s)

Blaise Audre V. Barrientos, BSOT, is a graduate of the Velez College Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Alyanna Freyse T. Badajos, BSOT, is a graduate of the Velez College Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Erika Faye M. Bucog, BSOT, is a graduate of the Velez College Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Rosse Velle C. Mauro, BSOT, is a graduate of the Velez College Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program

Paolo Miguel P. Bulan, OTD(c), MAOT, OTRP is the Department Chairman and Assistant Professor at the Velez College Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the OTs in Dynamics Pediatric Therapy & Associates, Fundamental Pediatric Therapy Center and GOAL Pediatric and Adult Therapy Center.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2023.2196

Recommended Citation

Barrientos BV, Badajos AT, Bucog EM, Mauro RC, Bulan PP. Mealtime Experiences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Perspectives of Filipino Occupational Therapists in Cebu: Implications for Practice. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Jan 04;21(1), Article 2.