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Individualized Parent-Based Nutrition Education in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sponsor: Firat University
Summary
Feeding difficulties, such as food selectivity and refusal to try new foods, are common among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These difficulties may affect children's dietary intake, eating habits, and daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an individualized nutrition education programme delivered to parents could improve feeding behaviours, dietary intake, sleep habits, physical activity, and quality of life in preschool children with ASD. The study included 45 children aged 3-6 years, including 30 children with ASD and 15 typically developing children. Children with ASD were randomly assigned to either a nutrition education group or a control group. Parents in the education group received eight individual nutrition education sessions over 16 weeks, supported by weekly telephone counselling. The typically developing children participated as a separate comparison group and were not randomly assigned. The researchers assessed children's dietary intake, feeding behaviours, sleep habits, growth, physical activity, and screen time before and after the 16-week study period. Parent-reported quality of life was also evaluated.
Official title: Effects of Individualized Parent-Based Nutrition Education on Feeding, Lifestyle, and Health Outcomes in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
3 Years - 6 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
45
Start Date
2020-12-15
Completion Date
2022-06-15
Last Updated
2026-10-20
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Individualized Parent-Based Nutrition Education Programme
The intervention consisted of a 16-week individualized, parent-based nutrition education programme for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents received eight individual nutrition education sessions and weekly telephone counselling throughout the intervention period. The programme aimed to improve children's dietary intake and feeding behaviours by providing parents with practical guidance on healthy eating, dietary variety, food selectivity, and appropriate feeding practices. Educational content was tailored to each child's nutritional needs and feeding difficulties. Parents were encouraged to apply the recommended strategies in their children's daily eating routines.
Locations (1)
Ankara University Autism Research and Application Center
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)