Feasibility of a virtual nutrition intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Buro Acadia W , Gray Heewon L , Kirby Russell S , Marshall Jennifer , Strange Mikaela , Pang Tiantian , Hasan Syed , Holloway Jamie 
Published: October 2021

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are at increased risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity. This study examined feasibility of a virtual implementation of Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education, an 8-week nutrition intervention based on social cognitive theory that addresses autism spectrum disorder–specific eating behaviors and food environment challenges. The implementation process was measured with fidelity checklists, engagement records, and field notes. Feasibility of virtually assessing adolescents’ outcomes (food frequency questionnaire, psychosocial survey, height, and weight) was also evaluated. Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder aged 12–21 years were recruited through a local community partner. Six groups (n = 27; group size ranged 2–7) participated. Univariate data analyses were performed. Mean lesson attendance was 88%, participation was 3.5/4 (4 = Frequently), homework completion was 51.9%, fidelity was 98.9%, and technical difficulty prevalence was 0.4/2 (2 = Major technical difficulties). Assessment completion rate was 100% (98.9%–100%) at baseline and 92.6%–96.3% (99.5%–100%) at post-intervention. Data quality was high for 88% of food frequency questionnaires and 100% of psychosocial surveys. Findings suggest that a virtual implementation and evaluation of Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education was feasible. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education may be implemented virtually to reach diverse populations of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Future research should examine the impact of the intervention on dietary behavior and obesity outcomes.

Lay abstract

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are at an increased risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity compared to their typically developing peers. Many nutrition interventions for this population focus on improving autism spectrum disorder symptoms or managing weight rather than addressing participants’ healthy eating self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine a virtual implementation of a new intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education. We used fidelity checklists, engagement records, and field notes to measure implementation. We also examined the feasibility of assessing outcome measures, including a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), psychosocial survey, height, and weight. We recruited adolescents with autism spectrum disorder aged 12–21 years. Six groups of 2–7 adolescents (27 total) participated in the intervention and pre-/post-intervention measurements. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education consisted of eight weekly lessons: exploring taste, flavor, and texture; mealtimes and rules; food groups and nutrients; moderation; beverages; cooking; well-being; sustaining healthy eating habits. The virtual implementation was feasible based on lesson attendance, participation, homework completion, fidelity, and prevalence of technical difficulties. Evaluation was also feasible based on response rate, completion, and data quality for the food frequency questionnaire, psychosocial survey, and height and weight measurements. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education may be used in virtual settings to reach diverse populations of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education on dietary behavior and obesity outcomes.