A Person-Centered Approach to Healthy Eating

11/4/25

Autistic children and adolescents may face a higher risk of obesity compared to their typically developing peers. There’s a critical need to promote healthy lifestyle choices, especially since obesity can put individuals at risk for diabetes and heart disease. Autistic individuals need effective programming focused on developing healthy lifestyle habits during the school years. 
 
Dr. Jenna Gilder’s recent study shows how autistic teenagers can take charge of their own health—without restrictions, without struggle. Through collaboration and assent-based decision-making, participants learned to make food substitutions that fit their preferences and goals. The result? Better nutrition, greater dignity, and pride in their choices.

All three participants reduced their average calorite consumption, and started to consume more nutritious foods (hummus, healthy smoothies, salmon, etc.) Two of the three participants also reduced their processed sugar consumption, both during intervention and follow-up. To access the full research brief, click here.

Jenna Gilder, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA is Director of Clinical Services and Training at May Institute.