Exploring Virtual Reality As an Intervention for Food Selectivity: a Clinical Trial

Summary

Food selectivity is a common challenge among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with significant impacts on their nutrition and well-being. The main purpose of this study is to promote children's active participation in mealtime routines and encourage experimentation with new foods through an approach that emphasizes joy and serenity during mealtimes. The study will involve children with ASD between the ages of 4 and 10 years, of both sexes. Food selectivity will be assessed through interviews with parents and the use of specially created cards.

The protocol will include 45-minute sessions, twice a week, for a total of 48 sessions. The children will wear an Oculus headset and be exposed to the foods through this virtual reality tool, enhancing their engagement and willingness to try new foods in a fun and immersive way.

Conditions

• Autism
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

OTHER

Individual food selectivity protocol

Children in the experimental group wear Oculus headsets and interact with virtual foods for 20 minutes. In the "Pairing in the Kitchen" phase, Oculus is removed. Two identical plates with 6 foods are placed in front of the child. The operator, seated next to the child, interacts with the food without eating it, maintaining a positive expression, and discussing non-food topics. No prompts to eat are given, and the child can leave at any time. Progress to the next phase if the child sits calmly for 30 seconds across 3 sessions. Shaping Phase: Two identical plates are prepared. The operator comments on the food and keeps a small container of the child's favorite food visible but out of reach. Any food-related behavior is reinforced with praise and the favorite food. Target behaviors are adjusted if no response occurs for 15 seconds or if negative emotions are observed. Differential reinforcement is used.

OTHER

Traditional food selectivity protocol

Step 1:Pairing in the Kitchen Propose enjoyable activities in the kitchen. Move to Step 2 when the child plays in the kitchen for 5 minutes over 3 consecutive sessions. Step 2:Transition to Kitchen Two plates with 6 identical foods are placed in the kitchen. The operator engages the child in a welcome game, waiting 30 seconds for spontaneous interaction. If no response, the operator prompts the child to go to the kitchen. If the child doesn't follow within 30 seconds, the session is postponed. The operator sits next to the child and interacts with the food, without encouraging the child to eat. Progress when the child stays seated for 30 seconds without problem behavior for 3 sessions. Step 3:Shaping Two plates are prepared, and the operator comments on the food. A visible container with the child's favorite food is used for reinforcement. Target behaviors are reinforced with praise and the favorite food. Adjust behaviors if there's no response for 15 seconds or negative emotions occur

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fondazione di Comunità Messina onlus

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Flavia Marino · Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

4 Years

Max Age

10 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-09-01

Primary Completion

2025-05-31

Completion

2025-07-17

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations