Background: Neurodivergent children, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism, experience higher rates of obesity and poorer health outcomes than their neurotypical peers, often driven by challenges related to nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. Although digital health interventions show promise for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, few have been designed to meet the specific needs of neurodivergent children. This study explored parent and carer perspectives regarding these needs and identified opportunities to enhance an existing play-based wellbeing application, Podsquad.
Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted with parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children aged 5–12 years in Queensland, Australia. Participants completed an online demographic survey and attended one of four online focus groups. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent deductive and inductive content analysis using NVivo. Discussions explored family routines, barriers and enablers to healthy behaviours, experiences with digital tools, and recommendations for adapting Podsquad.
Results: Fifteen parents and carers participated. Two overarching themes emerged: Everyday Realities and Responsive Solutions. Everyday Realities captured the challenges families faced in supporting healthy behaviours including selective eating related to sensory sensitivities, medication-related appetite suppression, difficulties engaging in physical activity, sleep disturbances, and the emotional burden of caregiving. Parents described adapting routines through flexibility, child autonomy, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Responsive Solutions highlighted priorities for app enhancement, including sensory customisation, personalised content, strengths-based messaging, achievable goal setting, and parent-focused resources. Participants emphasised accessible, interest-driven content aligned with individual developmental profiles rather than neurotypical expectations.
Conclusions: Parents identified significant barriers to supporting healthy lifestyle behaviours alongside practical strategies that promote engagement and wellbeing. Findings highlight the importance of co-designing digital health interventions that are flexible, strengths-based, sensory-responsive, and family-centred. Incorporating these recommendations into Podsquad may improve accessibility, engagement, and support healthier outcomes for neurodivergent children and their families.