Telehealth Support for Parents of Children with Autism and Weight Concerns
Official title: Telehealth Parent-Only Treatment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Overweight/Obesity
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11115854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project helps parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who are also overweight or obese learn strategies to support their child's health through online sessions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $665,167 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD106991-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are parents of children aged 0-11 years old with autism spectrum disorder who are also overweight or obese.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose children do not have autism spectrum disorder or are not overweight/obese would not be the focus of this specific program.
What this research studies
This project offers a parent-based program delivered through telehealth, specifically designed for families with children who have autism spectrum disorder and are also overweight or obese. Parents will learn practical strategies to help their children develop healthier eating habits and increase physical activity. This approach recognizes that children with ASD may benefit more from parents learning and implementing these changes at home. The program aims to make effective weight management support more accessible and tailored to the unique needs of these families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer families a convenient and effective way to help children with autism spectrum disorder achieve a healthier weight and improve their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot data for this specific parent-based program showed promising initial results, and similar parent-based treatments have been effective for typically developing children.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boutelle, Kerri N — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Boutelle, Kerri N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Telehealth Parent-Only Treatment for Kids with Autism and Overweight/Obesity
A telehealth program helps parents of children with autism and overweight/obesity lose weight and improve behaviors, using parent-focused sessions delivered remotely.
-
Telehealth treatment for parents of children with autism and obesity
This study is testing a new online program to help parents of children with autism who are also struggling with being overweight, giving them helpful tips to manage their child's weight from the comfort of home.
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Understanding how phthalate exposure before birth affects childhood weight and if certain diets can help
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Effects of sedentary time on heart function in youth with overweight or obesity
This study is looking at how sitting too much might impact the heart's health in young people who are overweight or obese, to help find ways to keep their hearts healthier.
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Helping parents promote healthy eating and exercise in pediatric cancer survivors with obesity
This study is helping families of kids aged 5-11 who have survived cancer and are dealing with being overweight or obese by encouraging parents to promote healthy eating and exercise, making it easier for everyone to adopt better habits together.
-
How prenatal exposure to phthalates affects childhood obesity and dietary strategies to protect against it
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect a child's weight as they grow up, and it will also explore ways to help reduce any weight gain linked to these chemicals through diet.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.