Maintaining a healthy food and fitness routine could be difficult for everyone. Young individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual impairments (I.D.) are likely to decrease or manage current body weight with the help of a network of training and assistance, according to preliminary research conducted at some universities.
However, young individuals with intrinsic limitations, including such mental disability, may have specific difficulty in keeping an average body weight. People with impairments and obesity may have to face severe challenges in a routine life that can lead them to struggle for survival.
A Promising Diet/Exercise Trial For Young Individuals With Impairments
Hence it is necessary for such people to keep a check on their diet and food habits rather than going for anything to eat. This implies to youth, especially as they turn to be food lovers and go for testing different food types at frequent intervals.
Laura Nabors, Ph.D., a lecturer in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, says, “It was a wonderful experience to work with the young adults and see them be empowered to select their health goals.”
As per the preliminary survey findings, younger individuals with ASD & I.D. are more likely to be obese or overweight, putting them at greater danger for heart illness, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and Type 2 diabetes.
The sessions included MyPlate portion sizes, food minerals and vitamins, and consuming fewer unhealthy eating categories.
Details about the necessity of activity, exposure to various fitness, and understanding how a workout helps the body was covered in the workout classes.
Compliance diaries were collected by U.C. staff, and subjects’ heights were measured at frequent periods. To analyze the program’s effect, families completed the survey, and students participated in groups discussions.
A diet and fitness education program involving 17 patients and guardians was overseen by Nabors and a group of U.C. professors, students, and recent grads, as well as a handicap investigator from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
The group and volunteers met weekly over a year and received lectures on good food and activity.
“Not every week was positive; some individuals struggled to communicate with us and/or their guardians. Just like every person, we have our good days and bad days,” notes study co-author Abby Overstreet, who was in her junior year as health education and promotion major at U.C. when the study took place.
As part of the study team, Overstreet helped create the weekly lessons and followed up with the individuals to check their progress. “Making changes to be healthier is a challenge for anyone, but with a little encouragement, they would eventually complete their goals,” says Overstreet, now a senior.
According to the findings reported in Innovations in Neurodevelopmental Diseases, two patients dropped a large quantity of fat while others kept their body weight over the trial. The program was well-received by students and families, who noted changes in understanding and conduct.
“Young adults, in this case, those with ASD and I.D., are more likely to get healthy if they can eat healthy foods they like and exercise in ways they enjoy,” says Kara Ayers, Ph.D., associate director of U.C.’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and a researcher with Cincinnati Children’s Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
“Dr. Carnahan’s guidance on communication strategies was invaluable, ensuring health messages reached our audience,” says Nabors.
Whereas the data are early, the researchers determined that the treatment generally led to increased understanding and healthy behaviors. A further study utilizing reference subgroups and measuring changes in body weight and habits over the term is required.
