Telehealth treatment for parents of children with autism and obesity
Official title: Telehealth Parent-Only Treatment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Overweight/Obesity
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10862879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $665,077 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD106991-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents of children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and are experiencing overweight or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or who are not experiencing overweight or obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a telehealth program that provides treatment specifically for parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are also dealing with overweight or obesity. The program, known as Parent-based treatment (PBT), aims to equip parents with strategies to help manage their child's weight effectively. By utilizing a telehealth approach, the program allows for greater accessibility and convenience for families, particularly those who may find it challenging to attend in-person sessions. The study will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this program in promoting weight loss among children with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved weight management and overall health outcomes for children with autism and obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that parent-based treatment programs can be effective for weight management in children, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results for children with ASD as well.
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.
-
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 Support for Parents of Children with Autism and Weight Concerns
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.
-
Understanding how phthalate exposure before birth affects childhood weight and if certain diets can help
This project explores how exposure to common chemicals before birth might affect a child's weight and if healthy eating habits can offer protection.
-
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.
-
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.