Obesity is one of the most common health conditions among autistic young people and its prevalence rises at faster rates for autistic-relative to non-autistic-individuals. This places them at heightened risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality before they enter adulthood. Studies have identified three key contributing factors to CVD outcomes in autistic individuals: unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and chronic stress. This study will explore the effectiveness of two CVD-focused primary care interventions for autistic individuals (ages 9-26): (1) lifestyle medicine consultations tailored towards supporting health-promoting behaviors; and (2) a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention tailored towards addressing chronic stress that contributes to excess weight and maladaptive eating behaviors and results in obesity and CVD. Participants and their caregivers will be randomly placed into either the Lifestyle Medicine Group, CBT Group, or combined Lifestyle Medicine with CBT Group. Participants will respond to questionnaires and surveys measuring lifestyle habits, stress, and psychological risk factors at their first visit, 6-month visit, and 3 months post-intervention visit. Over the course of 6 months, participants will attend virtual sessions (up to three times a month) in accordance with their intervention group.
Age range
9 Years – 26 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Behavior Assessment System for Children: Third Edition (BASC-3)
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline, at final intervention visit (6-month mark), and 3-Months post-intervention.
American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Nutrition in Action Diet Screener
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline, at final intervention visit (6-month mark), and 3-Months post-intervention.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Screener (PEARLS/ACEs)
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline
General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ)
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline, at final intervention visit (6-month mark), and 3-Months post-intervention.
Project EAT-IV Survey
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline
Participant and Caregiver Survey
Timeframe: Administered at final intervention visit (6-month mark).
Childhood Autism Rating Scale: Second Edition (CARS-2)
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline
ASD DSM-5 Checklist
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline
Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scales: Third Edition (Vineland-III)
Timeframe: Administered at Baseline