Children with autism are one of the groups at greatest risk of developing overweight and obesity (formerly called obesity). At the same time, many parents describe that the care offered is often designed for neurotypical children and therefore becomes difficult for families where autism affects everyday life to follow. Sensory sensitivity, selective eating, need for routines and difficulties with physical activity can make lifestyle changes extra difficult to implement.
Kajsa Järvholm, associate professor of psychology, highlights the growing knowledge about the connection between autism and overweight in children, but also the experiences that families and school staff describe in the encounter with care and how they view the children's needs. The lecture is based on current research and an ongoing Swedish research study on guardians' and school staff's experiences of children with concurrent autism and overweight/obesity. The focus is on why traditional interventions often do not work, what obstacles exist in everyday life and how support interventions can become more inclusive, individually adapted and sustainable. The goal is to increase understanding for a group of children who have long been caught between different parts of care and to contribute to more equal support for health and well-being.
The lecture is introduced by Åsa Lundqvist, Dean of Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Organized in collaboration with Lund University and the Crafoord Foundation. Free admission, no pre-registration required.