Development of a Manual-based, Interdisciplinary Intervention for Youth With ASD and Obesity

Emory University10 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of the proposed study is to develop and pilot test a manual-based, interdisciplinary intervention for youth, ages 3 to 10 years, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and overweight called the Changing Health in Autism through Nutrition, Getting fit, and Expanding variety (CHANGE) obesity program.

The purpose of the study is to develop and test the feasibility of a structured, innovative approach to treat obesity in 16 children (age 3 to 10 years) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This 16-week program integrates behavioral psychology and nutrition science to meet the challenges of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The PI will apply an evidence-based behavioral intervention to increase food variety,15 use applied behavior analytic strategies to teach physical activities in a developmentally-appropriate manner, employ biometrics to assess progress, utilize dietetic interventions to improve nutritional balance, and train caregivers to use behavior management strategies.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Obesity

Interventions

Parent Education ProgramBEHAVIORAL

The PEP intervention consists of didactic sessions regarding basic information about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Manual-based Behavioral TreatmentBEHAVIORAL

The Manual-based Interdisciplinary Behavioral Treatment consists of nutritional and behavioral interventions to improve dietary intake (increase water, decrease sweetened beverages and snack foods, improve balanced diet), increase exercise, and teach behavioral strategies to address barriers to these goals.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 3 YearsMax age: 10 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of ASD confirmed by a clinical psychologist using a "gold standard" diagnostic tools * Overweight status, as evidenced by a BMI percentile \> 85% to 94%, and 4) mild to no food selectivity, as evidenced by either history of consuming some fruits and vegetable, tolerating new foods near their plate, and/or trying new foods Exclusion Criteria: * Children being treated with atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, aripiprazole, risperidone) or other medications known to cause weight gain will be excluded from the study due to the weight gain associated with these medications * Children with unstable medical conditions will be excluded for safety concerns * Children presenting with severe aggression, self injury, or other disruptive behaviors that require intensive behavioral intervention will be excluded and referred to other services as needed

Locations (1)

Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program at the Marcus Autism Center

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in body mass index percentile/ratio

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight divided by height.

Time frame: baseline, post treatment (up to 16 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in intake of healthy food

The Nutrition arm of the intervention is based on our dietitian's unique ASD-specific adaptations to Best Practices in dietetics and will be supplemented by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Strong4Life program.

Time frame: baseline, post treatment (up to 16 weeks)

Change in physical activity

The F.I.T.T. Principle will be applied to the physical activity recommendations by identifying the frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise.

Time frame: baseline, post treatment (up to 16 weeks)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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