Outcomes from the help study RCT for children with feeding difficulties and reduced dietary intake

Abstract

Purpose: Childhood feeding difficulties can result in reduced dietary intake and variety, and contribute to nutritional deficiencies. Currently, there is limited research evaluating or comparing therapy options in this area. The Healthy Eating Learning Program (HELP) Study is the first randomized clinical trial (RCT) to compare therapy approaches for children with feeding difficulties. Method(s): Participants were randomized to receive 10 sessions of feeding therapy utilizing either operant conditioning or systematic desensitization techniques. Immersive parent education was delivered across both arms. Outcomes of interest included dietary variety, nutritional intake, and growth. A 3-month review was provided to measure outcomes. Data on two groups of children aged 2-6 years are presented: children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with a non-medically complex (NMC) history (n = 68). Result(s): Clinically and statistically significant improvements were observed in the number of foods eaten, as well as overall dietary variety and adequacy, across both intervention arms (p<0.05). ASD and NMC groups demonstrated similar improvements in response to the therapy provided. Across the combined sample, dietary improvements observed at the end of treatment were generally maintained at 3 months post-treatment. Conclusions (Including Clinical Relevance): The success of both therapy approaches in this study suggests that structured intervention provided by a trained multidisciplinary team can be effective in addressing feeding difficulties and improving dietary variety in children with feeding difficulties.L6139715992017-01-11 <br />