The Impact of Family Style Meal and Modeling on Dietary Behaviors and Intake of Children Participating in a Developmental Playgroup
Authors: Mitchell Emily V , Roy Priyanka Ghosh , Odeh Christina , Fannin Danai , Barrett Sheila 
Published: November 2023

Background and objective

The toddler and preschool years represent a time of cognitive, emotional, and social development. A balanced diet is fundamental for these growing years and more so in children with developmental disabilities (DD). While picky eating patterns are common among young children, these are more prevalent in children with DD. Problems with sensory processing and eating behaviors further aggravate the challenge. Meal‐time activities, family style meal service and peer modeling have been identified as affective strategies for dietary behavior modifications. However, their impacts on children with DD in a playgroup setting are unknown. We therefore aimed to determine if eating behavior and dietary intake would change in children with DD, following a nutrition intervention incorporating family meal style service and modeling techniques. The current study is a part of an 8‐week interdisciplinary (Physical Therapy, Speech and Nutrition) playgroup intervention for children with DD.

Method

Thirteen children aged 18 to 48 months (mean: 29.15 months) with at least one delay in the developmental areas and their care givers were enrolled post screening, out of which 12 completed the program in entirety. The two‐hours weekly playgroup sessions were divided into six sections that included circle time, fine and gross motor activities, nutrition or snack time, and free play. Each session was thematically designed and included age‐appropriate activities for the children. Pre and post nutrition assessments included children's meal‐time behavior (Child Eating Behavior Inventory) and dietary intake (Food Frequency Questionnaire). During snack time, children along with care givers were engaged in snack preparation and family meal style activities. Positive eating behaviors were reinforced through modeling. Children were encouraged to touch and lick new foods if they were hesitant to taste or eat them.

Results

The primary delay observed in this group was communication (n=11), followed by motor (n =8), adaptive (n= 6), personal/social delay (n=7) and cognitive/problem solving (n=1). A significant decrease in negative eating behaviors was observed (pre‐post intervention mean score difference 7.22, p = 0.025) at the end of week 8. The number of delays a child presented with was not correlated with the child's score on the Eating Behavior Inventory. While there was no significant increase in fruit intake, we observed a decreasing trend in sugar sweetened beverage and salty snack consumption. On the contrary, vegetable intake decreased over time.

Conclusion

Following the 8‐week playgroup intervention, there was no significant positive change with dietary intake, although it did influence eating behaviors. These results indicate that a playgroup setting may change eating and meal time behaviors of pre‐school aged children with DD. However, other factors such as family eating behavior, presence of siblings during meal times and nutrition knowledge and attitudes of care givers need to be further accounted for in similar settings.

Support or Funding Information

Tri‐County Endowment Fund, College of Health and Human Services, NIU