A Group Intervention for Parents of Autistic Young People With Anorexia Nervosa: An Exploration of How Parents Make Sense of and Integrate Concepts From the Group Into Family Life
This study is for parents who have a young person (aged 12-18) with both autism and anorexia nervosa. It aims to understand how a special support group helps parents in their child's recovery. Researchers want to find out how parents understand and use the ideas from the group in their daily family life. They also want to explore how parents feel autism affects their child's recovery from anorexia nervosa, and how parents see their own important role in supporting their child. If you're a parent who has attended this type of group, you might be asked to share your experiences in an interview.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is focused on families where a young person, aged between 12 and 18, has both autism (or noticeable autistic traits) and anorexia nervosa. We know that supporting a child with these conditions can be challenging, and this research aims to understand how parents use support to help their child. Specifically, it looks at parents who have taken part in a special group for parents at MCCAED.
The main goal is to explore how parents understand and put into practice the ideas and strategies they learn in these group sessions. Researchers want to know how these concepts are used in real family life to help the young person recover from anorexia nervosa. The study also explores how parents feel autism impacts their child's journey to recovery from anorexia nervosa, which can be a complex situation.
Finally, the study wants to hear about how parents see their own part in helping their child get better. By gathering these insights directly from parents, the study hopes to improve support for families in similar situations in the future. Parents who have attended at least half of the group sessions will be invited for an interview to share their experiences.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on parents supporting young people with autism and anorexia nervosa.
- It explores how parents use ideas from a support group in daily family life.
- The research aims to understand parents' perspectives on their role and how autism impacts recovery.
- Participation involves a single online interview.
- Your experiences could help improve support for other families in the future.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for parents or caregivers of young people aged between 12 and 18. These young people must have either a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or have clear autistic traits, and also have anorexia nervosa.
Parents or caregivers must have attended, or be currently attending, a specific parent support group at MCCAED between November 2024 and February 2026. You should also have attended at least half of these group sessions.
You will need to be able to join an online interview using Microsoft Teams, which can be done through an app or your web browser.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a parent or caregiver of a young person aged 12-18?
- Does your young person have autism (or autistic traits) and anorexia nervosa?
- Have you attended at least half of the parent support group at MCCAED between November 2024 and February 2026?
- Can you join an online interview using Microsoft Teams?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be invited to have an interview. This interview will be conducted online using Microsoft Teams. During the interview, you will be asked about your experiences attending the parent support group, how you understood the information shared, and how you tried to use those ideas in your family life. You will also be asked about how you feel autism affects your child's recovery from anorexia nervosa, and how you see your role in supporting them. There are no medications involved, no additional clinic visits beyond the group sessions you've already attended, and no follow-up appointments directly related to the study. The interview is a one-off event and will be the only part of your participation.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- South London and Maudsley HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the main aim of this study?
The study wants to understand how parents of young people with autism and anorexia nervosa use what they learn in support groups to help their child recover.
Who can take part in this study?
Parents or caregivers of young people (12-18 years old) who have both autism and anorexia nervosa, and who have attended a specific parent support group at MCCAED.
What will I have to do if I join?
You will take part in a single online interview where you'll share your experiences and thoughts about the support group and helping your child.
Will my child also be involved?
No, this study is only for parents and focuses on your experiences and understanding. Your child will not be directly involved.
How long will the interview take?
The length of the interview will be explained to you when you are invited, but it's a one-off discussion.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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