Graduation Year

2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors relied on for social interactions, deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of interest and behavior, and sensitivity to certain sensory inputs. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at an increased risk for multiple medical health concerns when compared to typically developing individuals, including overweight and obesity. Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern in the U.S. While many efforts have been made to prevent childhood obesity, few have been designed to align with the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. The present program development model includes combined weekly in-clinic therapy sessions and daily participation in online activities for parent(s) of autistic children as well as the child who is on the autism spectrum. Using the “5-2-1-0 Healthy Numbers for Kentucky Kids” initiative as a basis for behavior goals, the present program proposes implementation of interventions with empirical support for treating this population. Importantly, this intervention is meant to be applicable to children with autism across the nation, not only those residing in Kentucky. While the original initiative (5-2-1-0 Healthy Numbers for Kentucky Kids) on which this intervention is based was created for Kentucky children, childhood obesity is a national concern (Vorkoper, Artega, Berrigan, Bialy, Bremer, Cotton, & Anand, 2021).

Faculty Mentor

Myra Beth Bundy, PhD, BCBA

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Dustin Wygant, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Melinda Moore, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

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