Document Type

Plan B - Open Access

Award Date

2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health and Nutritional Sciences

First Advisor

Gemma Bastian

Abstract

Objective: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poor diet and exercise behaviors, which lead to higher prevalences of overweight/obesity and diet-related diseases. Young adults with ASD are particularly understudied regarding nutrition educational approaches; thus, our study aimed to examine the impact of Rev It Up! for ASD, an adapted Extension nutrition and physical activity curriculum adapted for this population.
Methods: The Rev It Up! curriculum was reviewed by four experts in autistic education to identify adaptations needed for the Rev It Up! for ASD pilot. The intervention was conducted in 10, 90-minute sessions from February-April 2025, where students participated in gamified lecture content, active learning, and cooking demonstrations. Nutrition and physical activity related behaviors were assessed pre- and post-test using the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Adult Questionnaire. Overall participant satisfaction was measured using a process evaluation form.
Results: Ten young adults aged 18-25 participated in the pilot; six participants were present for over half the lessons. On average, participants reported increased daily fruit and vegetable intake, increased variety of vegetable intake, increased frequency of preparing their main meal at home, and increased frequency of exercising for 30 or more minutes a day at 10 weeks compared to baseline. Overall, participants reported satisfaction with the curriculum.
Conclusions and future implications: Overall, the feasibility was high for the adapted Rev It Up! for ASD curriculum. Several lessons learned from the pilot study could be incorporated into an official supplement, e.g., revising some activities to be more adult-oriented, improving the accuracy of lesson materials, and providing clear instructions with time allotted for additional clarification. Participants expressed a desire for additional cooking experience with recipes to encourage them to expand their limited palettes. Further implementation science research is needed to determine the best educational practices for behavioral change among this population. Moreover, policy, systems, and environmental strategies to improve the access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities for autistic young adults could be explored.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2025 the author

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