Improving Health Equity for Youth with Autism or Intellectual Disability Through Integrated Nutrition Care

As nutrition professionals in areas of body weight regulation, psychiatry, and neuropsychiatry, we commonly evaluate and treat complex nutrition challenges among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including patients with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. Our presentation addresses the risks of malnutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies within a framework of common eating behaviors, feeding challenges, and specialty diets utilized in youth with ASD/IDD. With this in mind, we describe the formulation of inpatient and outpatient nutrition treatment strategies for youth with ASD/IDD across the BMI spectrum and include case studies to demonstrate interdisciplinary implementation. Dietitians will learn how to overcome behavioral and systemic barriers to ensure equitable health outcomes for this patient population during the current pediatric mental health crisis.

CPE Level: Level 3 (advanced knowledge/expertise)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 10.3.1 Establishes goals and desired outcomes in collaboration with clients/patients.
• 8.1.4 Integrates knowledge of macro- and micronutrients for digestion, absorption and metabolism throughout the lifespan in practice.
• 9.4.1 Takes into consideration special needs and disabilities and provides accommodations.

Learning Objectives

• Describe common and complex nutrition challenges among youth with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities in order to develop appropriate treatment strategies
• Systematically integrate identification of micronutrient deficiencies within a framework of common eating behaviors in youth with ASD/IDD in order to optimize nutrition status
• Formulate inpatient and outpatient nutrition treatment strategies for youth with ASD/IDD across the BMI spectrum in order to improve health outcomes

Moderator

• Helen Seagle

Speakers

• Hannah Altman-Kurosaki
• Jaime Moore