Engaged Eaters Program-Early Development (EEP-ED) Delivered via Telehealth for Young Autistic Children: A Clinical Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Feeding difficulties are associated with significant caregiver stress. Caregiver-mediated feeding programs in the family home may be appropriate for addressing the feeding challenges. However, very little literature reports on the feasibility and effectiveness of caregiver-mediated approaches for feeding difficulties. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the feasibility and impact of the (EEP-Early Development (ED)-Telehealth for a young Autistic toddler assessing parent satisfaction, telehealth delivery mode, family-centric feeding goals, parental stress and perceived competence to improve his feeding outcomes, including his mealtime behaviors and increasing his food repertoire and equipping caregivers with strategies to manage challenging behaviors. Methods: A 28-month-old autistic toddler with feeding difficulties and his caregivers participated in the EEP-ED, delivered via telehealth. Feasibility was evaluated via parent satisfaction and telehealth delivery questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. The primary outcome was family-centred feeding goals measured using Goal-Attainment Scaling (GAS). Results: Family-centric feeding goals were achieved, including increasing the child’s dietary repertoire by 14 new foods and achieving independent drinking and eating. The mother reported high satisfaction, decreased parenting stress, and increased parenting competence. Conclusion: Caregiver-mediated interventions delivered via telehealth may be a feasible and effective approach to address mealtime and feeding challenges of young autistic children.