A nutrition education intervention to improve eating behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder: Study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

Programmes to manage food selectivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impaired social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviours. In this regard, sensory processing difficulties and delayed oral motor skills often predispose individuals with ASD to food selectivity (FS). It is usually associated with repetitive eating patterns that can lead to multiple malnutrition conditions. The objective of this narrative review is to present an overview about the existing nutritional interventions aiming at promoting a healthy eating pattern and addressing food selectivity among individuals with ASD. Regarding the interventions targeting nutrition education, the majority of the analysed studies failed to demonstrate their effectiveness. On the other hand, many educational interventions involving taste or cooking sessions, as well as behavioural interventions for FS, demonstrated effective results. Moreover, multidisciplinary in tailoring such programmes, including psychology speech therapy and nutritional skills, is acknowledged as a key approach.

Genus-Level Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mini Review

Autism is a global health problem, probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is emerging data that the gut microbiome of autistic children differs from the one of typically developing children and it is important to know which bacterial genera may be related to autism. We searched different databases using specific keywords and inclusion criteria and identified the top ten bacterial genera from the selected articles that were significantly different between the studied patients and control subjects studied. A total of 34 studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. The genera Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Coprococcus, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, and Blautia exhibited the most substantial data indicating that their fluctuations in the gastrointestinal tract could be linked to the etiology of autism. It is probable that autism symptoms are influenced by both increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. Interestingly, these genera demonstrated varying patterns of increased or decreased levels across different articles. To validate and eliminate the sources of this fluctuation, further research is needed. Consequently, future investigations on the causes of autism should prioritize the examination of the bacterial genera discussed in this publication.

Parent and Adolescent Attitudes Toward a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative study examined acceptability, perceived benefits, and unintended consequences of a virtual implementation of an 8-week theory-driven nutrition intervention (BALANCE) for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

METHODS

Twenty-one parent interviews and six adolescent focus groups or interviews (n = 12; group size ranged 1-5) were conducted. Data were collected virtually via Microsoft Teams and analyzed for a priori and emergent themes.

RESULTS

The intervention was generally acceptable. Adolescents and parents reported that they were comfortable with the virtual format and the interactive group setting. Parents of adolescents 15 years and older emphasized the importance of autonomy/independence. Participants reported changes in adolescents' psychosocial determinants of dietary intake, including knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as diet changes (e.g., self-regulation).

CONCLUSIONS

The virtual implementation of BALANCE was acceptable according to adolescents with ASD and their parents based on their reported perceptions and feelings about the intervention. The findings suggest that many adolescents with ASD may benefit from virtual group interventions. Quantitative research is needed to examine behavioral outcomes of the BALANCE intervention.