Using Food Centered Educational Activities to Reduce Disordered Eating Behaviors in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Veronica VanCleave and Maria Giovanni, PhD. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, CSU, Chico BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. • 1 in 68 American children are on

the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years.

• Autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls.

(CDC, 2012)

The Autism Clinic at Chico State is a community resource for parents of children and teens with ASDs and an educational resource for students. One of the many services offered is a weekly after school program that focuses on health and wellbeing for teens with ASDs –The Teen Group

The Need• Up to 90% of children with ASDs are

reported to have eating disorders• Predominantly food

selectivity and limited variety

• There is a need for more research to understand the relationship between ASDs and disordered eating behaviors.

(Goldschmidt, 2015)

What We Are DoingTime Frame• Started in the Spring Semester of 2015 to present Before we started• Questioned parents about any concerns they had about their

child’s nutrition/diet • Questioned teens about their favorite foods and how they are

made The ASD Food Activity Lab Sessions• The Teen Group includes 10 to 12 teens, between the ages of

11 – 16 years old, each paired with a one-on-one “buddy” for support. Buddies are Kinesiology and Speech Pathology students

Sessions are Mondays, bi-weekly, from 5:15 to 6:15 PM• Each session starts in a classroom with a brief, interactive

power point presentation to introduce the topic for that day.• Activities take place in the neighboring Food Lab.• Total of 8 sessions per semester

Session Topic Examples• Making Pizza at Home• Whole Grains and Popcorn• Juice and Smoothies• Gluten Free vs AP Flour (What are differences?)• Local and Organic Produce (Making dips) • Garden Workshop at the Compost Garden (On

campus)

• Each activity is concluded with a brief reflection exercise using questionnaires about the activity and the experience. Teens share their answers and thoughts to the group.

• The final session of the semester includes parents and a ceremony, where each teen receives a certificate and a recipe booklet with easy-to-follow recipes from the Food Lab activities throughout the semester.

Future Ideas• Incorporating mindful eating

practices• Introducing sensory activities• Gardening and harvesting

What We Have Learned

Feedback From Parents • 8 out of 8 said their main food/dietary

concern about their teenager was picky eating (with an emphasis on selectivity of fruits and vegetables)

• 5 out of 6 parents noticed a positive change in their teenager’s attitude and/or knowledge regarding food at the end of 2 semesters in the ASD Food Activity Lab

Quotes from Parent Feedback• “He is willing to retry things he had

refused for many years” • “After the Food Lab he tells me about

what he’s learned. He makes himself more than just PB&J’s now”

• “He likes kale now and he tried crab legs. He said he wants to try new things now”

• “He has a more positive attitude and tries to eat healthier in general”

Feedback from Teens• 6 out of 9 responded that they had

tasted food that was new to them in the Foods Lab

• 7 out of 9 agreed that, overall, they have fun in the Food Lab

• Words Teens have written to describe their experience in the Foods Lab

“Tasty” “Fun” “Creative” “Sweet” “Yuck” “Salty” “Interesting” and “Cheesy”

 

Acknowledgement• The CSU, Chico Kinesiology

Department Autism Clinic • The Provost's Undergraduate Research

Award • Autism Speaks.org

The ASD Food Activity Lab was developed to

enhance the Teen Group by adding a food and

nutrition component to their health and wellness

program

ASD Food Activity Lab Mission Statement This project aims to promote healthy eating habits and a

positive regard for food through food and nutrition-centered activities in a fun, supportive and social

environment.Our Approach

We believe in empowering every individual to form a healthy relationship with food through increased

knowledge and self-confidence.