WNDU: Medical Moment: Health hacks for young adults with autism

A pilot study at the University of Cincinnati, led by UC’s Laura Nabors, found that young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) were able to lose or maintain their weight with a system of education and support in place.

WNDU in South Bend, Indiana, featured Nabors and Justin Stein who was enrolled in the study.

According to the study's premise, research shows that young adults with ASD and ID are at risk for being overweight or obese and may face higher levels of health risks for cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems and Type 2 diabetes.

The results, published in Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, were that two participants lost a significant amount of weight and others maintained their weight during the study. Participants and parents were satisfied with the program and reported knowledge and behavior change.

Nabors is a professor in UC’s School of Human Services in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services who studies the diet of young adults with autism and oversees the Healthy Lifestyle program at UC.   

Watch the interview, which was a result of a UC media collaberation with Ivanhoe, a  film production company.  

Featured image of oranges at top courtesy of Unsplash.