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document
The Autism MEAL Plan : a parent-training curriculum to manage eating aversions and low intake among children with autism . Feeding problems represent a frequent concern reported by caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders , and growing evidence suggests atypical patterns of intake may place this population at risk of nutritional and/or related medical issues , including chronic vitamin and mineral deficiencies , poor bone growth , and obesity . This combination of factors emphasizes a clear need to identify and disseminate evidence-based treatment of feeding problems associated with autism spectrum disorders . Behavioral intervention represents an effective treatment for chronic feeding concerns in this population ; however , evidence has largely been established with trained therapists working in highly structured settings . This pilot study seeks to fill this gap in the literature by describing and evaluating the Autism MEAL Plan , a behaviorally based parent-training curriculum to address feeding problems associated with autism spectrum disorders . We assessed the feasibility of the intervention in terms of program content and study protocol ( e.g . recruitment and retention of participants , assessment procedures ) , as well as efficacy in terms of changes in feeding behaviors . A total of 10 families participated in the treatment condition , and the program was evaluated using a waitlist control design ( n = 9 ) , representing the first randomized-control study of a feeding intervention in autism spectrum disorders . Results provide provisional support regarding the utility of the program , including high social validity , parent perception of effectiveness , and reduced levels of caregiver stress following intervention . Implications , limitations , and future directions for this line of research are discussed .
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Intervention_Educational
The Autism MEAL Plan :
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Intervention_Educational
Autism MEAL Plan
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Intervention_Control
waitlist control design
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Outcome_Other
recruitment and retention of participants
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Outcome_Other
assessment procedures
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Outcome_Other
efficacy
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Outcome_Other
utility of the program
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Outcome_Other
high social validity
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Outcome_Other
parent perception of effectiveness
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Outcome_Other
reduced levels of
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Outcome_Mental
caregiver stress
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Outcome_Other
following intervention
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Participant_Condition
autism
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Participant_Age
children
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Participant_Condition
autism spectrum disorders
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Participant_Sample-size
10