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Preliminary Exploration of the Usability of a Structured Plate to Improve Eating Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Impact on the Family: A Pilot Study

NCT07516431 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 6

Last updated 2026-04-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This pilot interventional study aims to evaluate the usability and preliminary effects of a structured plate designed to support eating behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as its perceived psychosocial impact on their families. Feeding difficulties are common in children with ASD and may include food selectivity, behavioral challenges during mealtimes, and family stress. In this single-group pre-post study, children aged 5 to 7 years with ASD and significant feeding difficulties will use the structured plate during school lunchtime three times per week for two months under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Outcomes will assess changes in feeding behaviors and mealtime functioning, as well as caregiver-reported psychosocial impact. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Findings from this pilot study will inform the feasibility and design of future larger-scale controlled studies.

Conditions

Interventions

DEVICE

Structured Plate

The intervention consists of the use of a structured plate specifically designed to support feeding behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The plate is a compartmentalized device with a matrix of multiple sections that allows food to be presented in small, visually organized portions. Each compartment contains a discrete amount of food, promoting clarity regarding quantity and sequence of intake. During the intervention, the child is guided to consume the food compartment by compartment. After each portion is consumed, the corresponding compartment is covered, reducing visual and sensory load and helping the child focus on the remaining food. This design aims to enhance predictability, support attentional regulation, and reduce anxiety associated with mealtimes. The structured plate is used during school lunchtime in individual sessions, three times per week over a two-month period, under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Universidad de Zaragoza

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
5 Years
Max Age
7 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-04-20
Primary Completion
2025-06-19
Completion
2025-07-14

Countries

  • Spain

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07516431 on ClinicalTrials.gov