Date of Award
8-1-2025
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Human Sciences
First Advisor
Richards, Dawn
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is growing in prevalence and diagnosis, highlighting the urgent need for more information on implementing interventions. Nutrition education interventions are crucial for the ASD community, including parents, adolescents, young adults, and children, due to many coexisting sensory and behavioral factors. This mixed-methods meta-synthesis evaluates current nutrition education interventions, revealing that while quantitative data related to improved intake is often lacking in significance, qualitative data shows that nutrition education can positively influence thoughts on nutrition and self-efficacy. Interventions that address both parents and children or adolescents are most effective for reinforcing nutrition education. Overall, these interventions must provide a safe environment and continuous education to support sustained behavior changes. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and tailored nutrition education to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals with ASD. Despite challenges, nutrition education has the potential to significantly benefit the ASD community by addressing both immediate and long-term dietary habits.
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