Improving Meal Acceptance of Individuals 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, leading to various forms of malnutrition, such as obesity 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 food selectivity.

Methods

The study is a bicentric intervention conducted in 3 care centers (Pavia and Milan) and 1 secondary school (Rome), involving approximately 200 participants with ASD aged 3 to 35 years. The study consists of an observational phase (T0) and an intervention phase (T1). At T0, biographical data, clinical c

SUBMITTER: Conti MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12138289 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature