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Preliminary Exploration of the Usability of a Structured Plate to Improve Eating Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Impact on the Family: A Pilot Study
Sponsor: Universidad de Zaragoza
Summary
This completed single-arm pilot study examined the usability of a structured plate during routine classroom mid-morning snacks in children with autism spectrum disorder and feeding difficulties. Six children aged 6-7 years used a plate with 10 compartments over eight weeks in a special education school in Zaragoza, Spain. Two trained school meal aides delivered the intervention five days per week under occupational therapy supervision. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT) and Feeding Impact Scales (FIS) before and after the intervention. Repeated structured observations described mealtime behavior and participation. The study also described implementation feasibility and exploratory pre-post changes; its uncontrolled design does not permit conclusions about efficacy. Changes from the original protocol are detailed in the Detailed Description.
Official title: Exploración Preliminar de la Usabilidad de un Plato Estructurado Para Mejorar la Conducta Alimentaria de niños y niñas Con Trastorno Del Espectro Autista y el Impacto en la Familia: Estudio Piloto.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
5 Years - 7 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
6
Start Date
2025-04-20
Completion Date
2025-07-14
Last Updated
2026-10-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Structured Plate
A structured plate with 10 compartments was used during routine mid-morning snacks in the classroom. Foods were presented in small, visually separated portions and each compartment was covered with a lid after completion. The plate was used Monday to Friday for eight weeks (April 28-June 19, 2025), with 38 sessions planned per child. Two school meal aides, trained and supervised by an occupational therapist, supported the children according to individual needs. The procedure was embedded in the usual school routine. During study implementation, frequency increased from the three weekly sessions in the original protocol to five weekly sessions.
Locations (1)
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain