ERIC Number: EJ1346467
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Aug
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Feasibility of a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Buro, Acadia W.; Gray, Heewon L.; Kirby, Russell S.; Marshall, Jennifer; Strange, Mikaela; Pang, Tiantian; Hasan, Syed; Holloway, Jamie
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v26 n6 p1436-1450 Aug 2022
Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are at increased risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity. This study examined feasibility of a virtual implementation of Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education, an 8-week nutrition intervention based on social cognitive theory that addresses autism spectrum disorder--specific eating behaviors and food environment challenges. The implementation process was measured with fidelity checklists, engagement records, and field notes. Feasibility of virtually assessing adolescents' outcomes (food frequency questionnaire, psychosocial survey, height, and weight) was also evaluated. Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder aged 12-21 years were recruited through a local community partner. Six groups (n = 27; group size ranged 2-7) participated. Univariate data analyses were performed. Mean lesson attendance was 88%, participation was 3.5/4 (4 = Frequently), homework completion was 51.9%, fidelity was 98.9%, and technical difficulty prevalence was 0.4/2 (2 = Major technical difficulties). Assessment completion rate was 100% (98.9%-100%) at baseline and 92.6%-96.3% (99.5%-100%) at post-intervention. Data quality was high for 88% of food frequency questionnaires and 100% of psychosocial surveys. Findings suggest that a virtual implementation and evaluation of Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education was feasible. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education may be implemented virtually to reach diverse populations of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Future research should examine the impact of the intervention on dietary behavior and obesity outcomes.
Descriptors: Adolescents, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Nutrition, Eating Habits, At Risk Persons, Nutrition Instruction, Cooking Instruction, Intervention, Food, Program Effectiveness, Young Adults, Online Courses, Feasibility Studies
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A