Using virtual reality to help children with autism try new foods
Evaluation of the Effect of a Food Selectivity Intervention Through Virtual Reality in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help children with autism try new foods by making mealtime more fun and engaging.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Messina, Italy) |
| Trial ID | NCT06656585 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to address food selectivity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by utilizing virtual reality as an engaging intervention. Children aged 4 to 10 will participate in 45-minute sessions, twice a week, for a total of 48 sessions, where they will wear an Oculus headset to experience various foods in a fun and immersive environment. The study will assess food selectivity through parent interviews and specially created cards, promoting active participation in mealtime routines and encouraging experimentation with new foods. The approach focuses on creating a joyful and serene atmosphere during mealtimes to enhance children's willingness to try different foods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4 to 10 years diagnosed with autism who exhibit food selectivity.
Not a fit: Patients with other medical disorders that may affect their ability to participate in the study may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the nutritional intake and overall well-being of children with autism by reducing food selectivity.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in therapeutic settings is gaining traction, this specific application for food selectivity in children with autism is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Food selectivity upon parental referral * Child with diagnosis of autism Exclusion Criteria: * presence of other medical disorders
Where this trial is running
Messina, Italy
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica — Messina, Italy, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Flavia Marino — Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
- Study coordinator: Flavia Marino
- Email: flavia.marino@irib.cnr.it
- Phone: +393395798263
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.