Individualized Parent-Based Nutrition Education in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Feeding difficulties, such as food selectivity and refusal to try new foods, are common among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These difficulties may affect children's dietary intake, eating habits, and daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an individualized nutrition education programme delivered to parents could improve feeding behaviours, dietary intake, sleep habits, physical activity, and quality of life in preschool children with ASD. The study included 45 children aged 3-6 years, including 30 children with ASD and 15 typically developing children. Children with ASD were randomly assigned to either a nutrition education group or a control group. Parents in the education group received eight individual nutrition education sessions over 16 weeks, supported by weekly telephone counselling. The typically developing children participated as a separate comparison group and were not randomly assigned. The researchers assessed children's dietary intake, feeding behaviours, sleep habits, growth, physical activity, and screen time before and after the 16-week study period. Parent-reported quality of life was also evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 3-6 years. For the ASD intervention and control groups: a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with mild to moderate symptom severity assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). For the typically developing comparison group: children without an ASD diagnosis who exhibited typical development. Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian. Exclusion Criteria: * Children outside the specified age range. For the ASD groups: severe ASD symptom severity according to the CARS assessment. Children whose parents or legal guardians did not provide informed consent.