Behavioral program for children with autism and feeding difficulties

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop and evaluate TEAlimento, a behavioral program designed for children aged 3-8 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who experience feeding difficulties. The intervention includes both group and individual parent training sessions, as well as group sessions for the children. A randomized waitlist-controlled design will assess the program's effectiveness by comparing outcomes at baseline and three months post-intervention. Key indicators of success include reduced food rejection, decreased disruptive behavior during meals, and increased variety in foods accepted, along with a reduction in parent stress levels.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* age range between 3 and 8 years old
* confirmed diagnosis of cut-off at the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2, Lord et al., 2000)
* presence of significant feeding difficulties, defined as one or more of the following issues: significant food rejection, significant disruptive behavior at meals, significant selectivity based on type, texture, and presentation, and significant stress to family caused by these feeding difficulties.
* acquired oral-motor abilities to chew food
* accepts eating at least three foods (and a maximum of 20).

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe intellectual disability (intellectual or adaptive functioning below 35)
* severe behavioral problems
* medical risk situation that required more intensive intervention.

Where it's running

• Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
  Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Maria A Mairena, PhD — Child and Adolescent Mental Health Research Group. Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Spain
• Study coordinator: Maria A Mairena, PhD
• Email: mariaangeles.mairena@sjd.es
• Phone: (0034) 93 253 21 00

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.