Establishing a Research Network Agenda for Promoting Healthy Weight among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities (ASD/DD)

Research networks assemble interdisciplinary researchers and practitioners to conduct, support, promote, and disseminate research on complex topics that require an interdisciplinary approach to ensure forward progress. The problem of childhood obesity in children with ASD/DD is a topic well-suited to such an approach.

As part of its foundational work, the Healthy Weight Research Network for Children with ASD/DD (HWRN), funded by HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, undertook an agenda-setting process using a modified Delphi method. Twenty-three members and advisors representing the disciplines of epidemiology, exercise science, family studies, nutrition, pediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, public health, and self-advocacy provided initial topic ideas via an open-ended survey. Topics were grouped into 19 areas and expanded further at a kick-off meeting.  Topics were then condensed into 9 themes and accompanied by exemplar research questions, and the group was re-surveyed. Themes included: 1) family practices around food/mealtimes; 2) influence of school/community-based organizations on food intake/physical activity; 3) food patterns, behavior, and weight gain; 4) perceptions/priorities of parents/health professionals on weight status; 5) determinants of growth/development; 6) prevalence of obesity/obesity-related comorbidities; 7) physical activity/sedentary behaviors and weight status; 8) program adaptation/delivery; 9) medication and weight status. Themes 1, 3, 7, and 8 emerged as priority areas. Using these themes as guideposts, the Network will provide scientific leadership to meet our mission to advance understanding of obesity risk factors in children with ASD/DD, promote the development of evidence-based solutions to achieve healthy weight in this population, and disseminate research findings to broad and diverse audiences.