Helping children with autism try new foods

Evaluation of the Effect of Food Selectivity Intervention in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Not applicable Interventional Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica · NCT06179940

This study is trying to help children with autism try new foods by making mealtime fun and comfortable through engaging kitchen activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica Academic / other
Locations1 site (Messina)
Trial IDNCT06179940 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on addressing food selectivity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by promoting active participation in mealtime routines. It involves 48 sessions where children aged 4 to 10 will engage in enjoyable kitchen activities and gradually be introduced to new foods in a supportive environment. The approach emphasizes joy and serenity during mealtimes, using specially created cards and parent interviews to assess food preferences. The sessions are designed to create a home-like atmosphere to encourage comfort and exploration.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4 to 10 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who exhibit food selectivity.

Not a fit: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who do not exhibit food selectivity or have other medical disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the nutritional intake and overall well-being of children with autism by reducing food selectivity.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various interventions for food selectivity in children, this specific approach focusing on a joyful kitchen environment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Food selectivity upon parental referral
* diagnosis of autism

Exclusion Criteria:

* presence of other medical disorders

Where this trial is running

Messina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Autism Spectrum Disorderautismchildrenfood selectivity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.