Perspectives on the use of a nutritious child-friendly meal recipe kit in neurodivergent families

Autistic children often exhibit atypical eating behaviours which can result in limited dietary variety, leading to nutritional deficiencies and increased health risks. Eating difficulties can also contribute to familial stress during mealtimes. This study explored the impact of a child-focused meal recipe kit scheme (BRITE Box) in autistic households, focusing on changes in eating behaviours, willingness to try new foods, and engagement in cooking, as well as development of social, numeracy, and literacy skills. Eighteen participants (eight parents, eight autistic children, one neurodivergent young adult, and one teacher), engaged in individual semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four main themes: sensory preferences, restrictive eating, benefits to children, and family/community experiences. Common challenges included sensory aversions to food textures and restrictive eating habits. Positive outcomes for children involved a greater willingness to try new or previously disliked foods, improved confidence and competence in cooking skills, and perceived benefits in numeracy and literacy. Benefits for families included enhancing family bonding and quality time spent together. Overall, participation in the BRITE Box scheme improved eating behaviours, buffering sensory preferences and facilitating greater family cohesion in neurodivergent households.