Evaluation of the Effect of a Psychological Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Feeding Difficulties

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

TEAlimento : a multicomponent parent training behavioral program to treat feeding difficulties in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The program focuses on parent training. Additionally, intervention on sensory integration is implemented directly with children. The program is made up of 12 sessions, which are held weekly, combining group (1.5 hour parent training and child sensory desensitization) with individual sessions. Parent training group sessions (1,3,4,5,7,8), are focused on teaching strategies based on the principles of behavior intervention and specific techniques related to eating. Strategies involve functional behavioral assessment, antecedent-based interventions, extinction of disruptive behaviors, positive reinforcement, modeling and visual supports. Additionally, parents were trained in methods of introducing new foods, such as modifying food presentation or textures. Simultaneously, children attend a group session in a separate room to target sensory issues and receive oral-facial stimulation. Individual sessions (2,6,9) are focused on specific characteristics of each child.

Study summary

Feeding difficulties are frequent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main goal of this project was to develop TEAlimento, a behavioral program for children ages 3-8 with ASD and feeding difficulties. The intervention combines parent training in group and individual sessions, as well as group sessions with children. The second goal was to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the effect of the program.

It was hypothesized that the intervention would decrease food rejection and disruptive behavior during meals, as well as increase the number of foods tried. A decrease in parent stress was also expected.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behavior In Children (BAMBIC; Hendy et al. 2013). — Before and after intervention (12 weeks later)
  This questionnaire consists of 11 items that evaluate, on a 5-point Likert scale, three areas: limited variety, food refusal and disturbing behavior, in the last 6 months. Higher scores reflect more difficulties. The limited variety subscale assesses the child's willingness to try new foods or new types of preparation or textures. The food refusal subscale evaluates problem behaviors during meals, such as crying or closing his/her mouth tightly when food is presented. The disruptive behavior subscale includes items that assess aggressive behavior, self-injurious behaviors or disruptive conducts during meals, such as pushing or throwing utensils or food.

Trial sites (1)

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