1. Nutrition Education for Young Adults with Autism at Perrysburg High School
Melissa Algarin & Alayna Flannery│BGSU
Introduction
Experience & Research
Summary
Obesity is an epidemic that is a well-researched topic. Within the last 20 years, childhood obesity has nearly tripled (1). However, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) obesity rates is a topic that is not commonly studied, yet those with autism do have a high prevalence of obesity and possibly higher than those without ASD (2). In addition, adults with autism tend to have higher rates of obesity than children with ASD, which may mean this weight gain begins in childhood (3). Many young adults with ASD want to go to college or start a career, and part of being independent is being able to make a nutritious meal. Individuals with autism tend to have cognitive difficulties that make it harder for them to be on their own (4). Nutrition education needs to be implemented during high school for those with ASD, so they will know how to make healthy choices themselves and ultimately avoid obesity.
Nutrition is an important factor that those with developmental disabilities need to have a basic understanding of when going to live on their own. Various lesson plans will be taught to the students in a hands on approach to help further their knowledge. This nutrition education is one of the many lessons the students will be learning through a program called Venture Bound. The program’s main goal is to help high school students with autism become independent in most aspects of their lives.
Nutrition education for those with autism is a significant topic when trying to help those individuals become independent. In order to help prevent unfavorable outcomes, such as obesity, it is important to teach those with developmental disabilities basic nutrition education. Knowledge about nutrition will help to ensure they know how to make healthy choices for when they live on their own.
No nutrition education
Unable to make healthy meals
Obesity
Lesson Plan 1: MyPlate Activity
Give students placemat that has the MyPlate logo
Education of food groups on the plate
Hand out tangible food
Students will place food in the corresponding food group it belongs to
Clinical Applications
Research
Individuals with autism should be given educational opportunities regarding nutrition throughout their school years. It is vital for others to understand the importance of nutrition and ways to help those with ASD have a well-balanced diet and lifestyle.
Individuals with autism may not be recognized as a group that has a weight issue, but they could actually be worse off when it comes to obesity. One study shows that 40% of children who have autism are more likely to be obese compared to children without autism (5). 
Lesson Plan 2: Portion Sizing & Label Reading
Measuring cups and physical hand measurements will be shown to help understand correct portion sizes
Handouts will be distributed, so they can refer back
Explanation of how to relate portion sizes to a nutrition label
Parents can cook with their children and also take them to cooking classes
Registered dietitians can volunteer and give presentations about nutrition to students with autism
Parents can make an appointment with a registered dietitian if the child needs more education in regards to making nutritious meals on their own 
Registered dietitians or super market dietitians can volunteer to take students with autism on grocery store tours, give cooking demos, etc.
Teachers can take their students on field trips to farmer’s markets, gardens, etc.
Advocate for a public policy that deals with those with developmental disabilities and nutrition education
Factors causing obesity in people with autism:
Consuming less than the recommended amount of certain nutrients (6)
Unusual eating habits  overly selective (preferred energy dense foods) (2) 
Reduced 
physical activity (7)
Sleep problems (8)
Behavioral medicine (7) 
Lesson Plan 3: Grocery Shopping Trip
Take students on a grocery store tour
Knowledge will be assessed before and after to see progress
Topics addressed will be label reading and food group identifications
Obesity rates are increasing in children with developmental disabilities with autism being the highest rate amongst them all.
Lesson Plan 4: Cooking Demo
Cooking demo to show inexpensive and healthy recipes
Recipes that are affordable and simple will be provided