Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Neurodiverse Children and Young People: A Qualitative Exploration of Complexity and Care Challenges
Authors' conclusion
Caregivers demonstrate resilience in managing and navigating challenges and CYP did not see their neurodiversity as a barrier to managing their T1D. Diabetes technologies were viewed as improving quality of life. Day-to-day coping strategies varied between CYP and caregivers.
Study context
- Population
- Neurodiverse children and young people (age 12–18 years) with T1D and their caregivers
- Participants
- 15 vs 13
- Comparison
- Children and young people (CYP) vs Parents caregivers
- CYPn = 15
- Parents caregiversn = 13
- Outcome
- Perceived burdens of neurodiversity in managing T1D
Methodological detailssemi-structured in-depth interviews, thematic analysis
- Semi-structured in-depth interviews
- Thematic analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Caregivers needed to adapt routines to meet individual needs
- Family support was central to diabetes management
- Sleep disturbance related to fear of hypoglycaemia was common; CGM improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety
- Diabetes technologies perceived to reduce burden, enhance confidence and support self-management, despite occasional sensory challenges
- Caregivers concerned about limited tailored resources
- CYP worried about transition to adult services
- Experiences at diagnosis generally negative (change in routine, fingerpricks, hospital settings)
- CYP did not view neurodiversity as a barrier to self-managing their diabetes
Original publication
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Neurodiverse Children and Young People: A Qualitative Exploration of Complexity and Care Challenges. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 15 September 2026. doi:10.
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