Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Dec 23, 2024
Date Accepted: Mar 25, 2025
Improving meal acceptance of subjects with autism spectrum disorder (AUT-MENU project): protocol for a bicentric intervention study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit low dietary diversity due to Food Selectivity (FS), leading to various forms of malnutrition, such as obesity and/or micronutrient deficiencies.
Objective:
The main objective of the AUT-MENU project is to improve meal acceptance among individuals with ASD. A secondary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition education course for parents of enrolled participants to reduce FS. This abstract reports the study protocol.
Methods:
The study is a bicentric intervention conducted in three center-based services (Pavia and Milan) and two secondary schools (Rome), involving approximately 200 participants with ASD aged 5 to 35 years. The study consists of an observational phase (T0) and an intervention phase (T1). At T0, biographical data, clinical characteristics, and dietary patterns of participants are collected. Based on T0 findings and existing nutritional recommendations for ASD individuals, targeted menus are developed and tested. At T1, the same assessment tools used at T0 will be applied to evaluate intervention effects. Additionally, a nutrition education course for caregivers will be implemented at T1, with a pre- and post-course knowledge questionnaire to assess its effectiveness.
Results:
As of October 2024, 74 participants have been enrolled across the centers in Pavia and Milan. Data collection began in November 2024 and is expected to conclude by May–June 2025. Enrollment and data collection in Rome have not yet started, but similar enrollment numbers are anticipated.
Conclusions:
The researchers anticipate improved meal acceptance in centers and schools through the targeted menus and a reduction in FS among participants due to the caregiver education course.
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