Feasibility of a Structured, Multidisciplinary Intervention for Weight Management in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk for obesity. Although treatments for obesity exist, they do not address unique ASD related characteristics. The current study evaluates a structured multidisciplinary treatment program, the Changing Health in Autism through Nutrition, Getting fit and Expanding (food) variety (CHANGE) program. Ten children (ages 5-12) with ASD who were overweight or obese participated in either CHANGE or parent education program for 16 weeks. CHANGE provided nutrition and behavior management strategies, while the parent education program provided ASD education. BMI-forage percentile at screening was 92.8% +/- 5.2. Ten eligible participants enrolled in the study and 2 (20%) dropped out prior to study completion. Attendance of sessions was moderate (57%); however, parental adherence (eg, homework completion, session participation) was high. All participants indicated that they would recommend the interventions to others. Preliminary evidence supports the feasibility of the CHANGE program in children with ASD. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.