A dual-approach for picky eating children with autism spectrum disorder to support healthy eating habits
Research Line: Healthy Start / Seed Call: i4PH April 2024
Picky eating is a common issue among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), leading to nutrition deficiencies and health risks such as obesity and malnutrition. This project aims to develop an interactive platform that enhances sensory experiences to encourage diverse eating habits in children with ASD. The game-based platform will also provide essential support tools for parents, helping them manage their children’s eating behaviours effectively. By involving parents and healthcare professionals in the design process, proposed solutions are evidence-based and tailored to real-life needs, ultimately fostering healthier dietary practices for children with ASD.
Objectives and route to impact
This project aims to develop an interactive platform to address picky eating in children with ASD. By enhancing tactile sensory experiences and providing parental support, gaps in current clinical methods are bridged and offer effective, evidence-based solutions. The participatory approach ensures that the intervention is tailored to the real-life challenges faced by families, with the ultimate goal of fostering healthier eating habits and improving nutritional health. Over the next 5 to 10 years, the project is envisioned to become a globally recognised solution, integrated into healthcare and educational settings to combat diet-related health issues.
The main research question that will be answered is: “What strategies can be adapted and integrated into the design and implementation of the “Adventure Box” and its accompanying app to facilitate healthier eating habits in children with ASD and picky eating tendencies?”
Methods
A comprehensive approach is employed to develop an interactive platform for addressing picky eating in children with ASD. The methods are divided into three key work packages (WPs):
- WP1: Review & Stakeholder Engagement: Conducting literature study to have a holistic view of current clinical solutions, and conducting co-creation workshops, interviews, or focus groups with parents, children, and healthcare professionals to understand their needs
- WP2: Design Exploration: translate the results from WP1 to actionable design strategies
- WP3: Grant Proposal Development for Scalable Implementation: Building upon the insights garnered from WP 1 and 2, the team will commence the formulation of a detailed grant proposal
Deliverables
“Wonder & Grow Healthy” advances the state of the art by translating evidence-based solutions from clinical studies and literature into a gamified, sensory-based learning experience. This innovative approach combines insights from participatory design sessions with practical applications, bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world practice. The project aims to make nutritional health education accessible, enjoyable, and relevant to the lived experiences of families, offering a pioneering approach to improving dietary behaviours in children with ASD.
Contribution to cross EWUU collaboration
The “Wonder & Grow Healthy” project exemplifies an interdisciplinary collaboration within the EWUU alliance, bringing together diverse expertise to develop an effective intervention for picky-eating children with ASD. Key contributions include:
UX Design (WUR), Sensory Science (WUR), Clinical Expertise in Child Eating Behaviour and Physiology (WUR), Pediatric Expertise (UMCU), Interaction Design (TU/e).
Furthermore, the collaboration with clinical partner SeysCentra leverages hands-on experience in treating eating problems in children with Autism and their parents.
Project Team
- Dr Parvaneh Parvin – WUR Human Nutrition and Health
- Dr. Sanne Boesveldt – WUR Human Nutrition and Health
- Dr. Marlou Lasschuijt – WUR Human Nutrition and Health
- Dr. Emilia Barakova – TU/e Industrial Design, EAISI
- Drs. Berbe Paes – UMCU Social Pediatrics
- Dr. S.L. Nijhof – UMCU Social Pediatrics
- SeysCentra – Clinical Partner