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Evaluation of the Effect of a Psychological Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Feeding Difficulties
Sponsor: Fundació Sant Joan de Déu
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.
Official title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Mixed (Multifamily Group) Psychological Intervention Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Feeding Difficulties (ASD+FD)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
3 Years - 8 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2018-01-10
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2025-04-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
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.
Locations (1)
Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain