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

Abstract 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. 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 (PEP) for 16 weeks. CHANGE provided nutrition and behavior management strategies, while PEP provided ASD education. BMI-for-age percentile at screening was 92.8% ± 5.2. Ten eligible participants enrolled in the study and two (20%) dropped out prior to study completion. Attendance of sessions was moderate (57%); however, parental adherence (e.g. 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.