Evaluation of a Pilot Healthy Eating and Exercise Program for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Objectives The aims of this pilot study were to examine program structure, implementation, and outcomes of a healthy eating and exercise program for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (IDs). Methods Seventeen young adults with ASD and IDs, six parents, and 10 staff participated. Programming was delivered for over a year and featured healthy eating and exercise lessons. Also, group-based motivational interviewing was used to develop weekly health goals for participants. During COVID-19, lessons were delivered online. The program was modified using lectures with visual material, when participants returned to classrooms. Lessons focused on MyPlate, portion sizes, the food pyramid, vitamins and minerals in foods, and learning to eat “less” of unhealthy food groups. Exercise lessons featured information about importance of exercise, introduction to different types of exercise, and knowledge about how exercise benefits the body. Staff completed implementation logs. Height and weight of participants were examined at regular intervals. Parents completed surveys and participants completed group interviews to assess program impact. Results Two participants lost a significant amount of weight and others maintained their weight during COVID-19. Participants and parents were satisfied with the program and reported knowledge and behavior change. Conclusions Results indicated participating in the intervention resulted in improved knowledge and health behaviors. Findings are preliminary, and research using control groups and assessing change in weight and behaviors over time are needed. Observation of meals and physical activity levels will provide more objective data in future studies.

Effects of physical activity and exercise-based interventions in young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

“…In fact, one study had a wide age range spanning 70 years, with individual participants ranging between 3 and 73 years of age (Zabriskie et al, 2005); unfortunately, the authors did not provide further details/breakup of their study results by age of participants. Furthermore, two studies (~9%) did not report on age range distribution of their participants (García-Villamisar et al, 2017; Nabors et al, 2021, see Table 1). Only 4 of the 22 studies reviewed (i.e.…”

“…Seven studies (one low, two intermediate, and four high ROB) implemented multicomponent holistic programs including PA/exercise along with health education/counseling (Gephart & Loman, 2013; Haney et al, 2014), nutritional changes (García-Villamisar et al, 2017; Nabors et al, 2021), lifestyle modifications (García-Villamisar & Dattilo, 2010), stress management strategies (Spratt et al, 2018), and recreational/leisure activities (García-Villamisar & Dattilo, 2010; Kemeny et al, 2017; Nabors et al, 2021). Studies assessed outcomes related to body composition (57%), functional participation/QOL (42%), as well as miscellaneous outcomes (100%) related to stress, well-being, nutritional intake, and health-related knowledge.…”

Motivational interviewing for young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A Pilot Feasibility Study

“…Furthermore, the approach of adapting MI for neurodiverse young adults allows for a subsequent adaptation of MI for those transitioning to adulthood. Extant research on the adaptation of MI for various cultures (Self et al, 2023) and for neurodiverse young adults in group settings (Nabors et al, 2021) but has rarely focused on adapting MI for neurodiverse populations (Frielink & Embregts, 2013). Thus, findings from the current study provided evidence that MI can be applied for individual neurodiverse young adults.…”

“…Past adaptations of MI for young adults have focused on increasing motivation for managing health conditions (Schaefer & Kavookjian, 2017;Walpole et al, 2013). Some studies have found MI to be useful for neurodiverse young adults in a group setting (Nabors et al, 2021), while others have adapted MI for individuals with mild intellectual differences (Frielink & Embregts, 2013). However, no research has evaluated individual MI for young adults with ASD.…”