Family, Responsibility, Education, Support, and Health for Families With a Child With Autism

The objective of this proposed study is to collect initial efficacy data on a telehealth parent-based behavioral program for children with autism and overweight or obesity (PBT-A), compared with health education (HE).

Inclusion Criteria:A child with OW/OB (>=85% BMI for age) aged 6-12 yearsDocumented community diagnosis of autismThe child meets cut-off criteria for autism on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), as well as overall DSM 5 criteria based on the clinical judgement of an experienced clinicianThe parent who is responsible for food preparation is willing to participateThe family is willing to commit to attending all treatment and assessment sessionsChild and parent are on a stable medication regimen (minimum of 3 months)Child does not have any medical conditions that limit ability to participate in physical activity for the duration of the study. Parent can participate in physical activity or at least facilitate support of child's completion of recommended physical activity.Child and/or parent are not participating in another organized weight control programFamily owns a device that can facilitate zoom meetings and a device that can facilitate video recordingExclusion Criteria:Child diagnoses of a serious chronic physical disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes) for which physician supervision of diet and/or exercise is neededChild or first degree relative with diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia nervosa based on parent reportAcute parent psychiatric disorder (e.g., acute suicidality; recent hospitalization; psychosis, moderate or severe alcohol or substance use disorder) that could interfere with treatment.Parent is not currently pregnant, lactating or planning to get pregnant during the study durationParent has had bariatric surgery less than 6 months ago and/or is not yet eating solid food or is planning to have bariatric surgery over the study duration