Research

Feeding Disorders Training Study

Treatment of Feeding Problems in Young Children with Autism

Protocol Description

This pilot study will evaluate individually delivered parent training as a way to help certain children with an autism spectrum disorder to overcome significant feeding problems. The program consists of 9 training sessions over a 16-week period, including instruction in techniques to help parents improve their child’s eating habits and promote positive mealtime behaviors.

Eligibility Criteria

Treatment of Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

View the study brochure (PDF)

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, parents of children of either gender between the ages of 2 and 8, diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder may be enrolled.
Parent(s) of a child, age 2 to 8

Requirements
The program includes 9 sessions that take place at the Child Development Unit of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and a single home visit. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and the home visit approximately 2 hours. Parents will be asked at different times throughout the study to complete questionnaires about their child’s eating behaviors and food intake and to gather parent opinions about the program.
Visits: 10 to 11
Duration: 16 weeks

Status: Open for Enrollment