Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
http://www.trends.periodikos.com.br/article/doi/10.47626/2237-6089-2025-1145
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Original Article

Impact of two digital parent training models for managing challenging behaviors and food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder

Claudia Romano Pacífico, Leila Bagaiolo, Lívia Rangel, Bianca Romano, Daniela Bordini, Graccielle Asevedo, Joana Portolose, Cristiane Silvestre de Paula

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Abstract

Objectives
To analyze the feasibility and impacts of parental training programs aimed at reducing challenging behaviors and minimizing food selectivity patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods
An open clinical trial was conducted with 23 children with ASD and their families. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and consisted of online sessions with caregivers, who were divided into two groups: Challenging Behaviors and Food Selectivity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI). Caregivers also completed daily logs regarding their children's behavioral and feeding challenges.

Results
There was a reduction in challenging behaviors after the intervention (μ=50.06) compared to the pre-intervention period (μ=67.81; ρ=0.001), as well as a decrease in food selectivity (μ=45.14 post vs. μ=57.71 pre; ρ=0.012).

Conclusions
Both interventions demonstrated preliminary evidence of feasibility and potential positive effects for children with ASD.   

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder; parent training; applied behavior analysis; food selectivity; challenging behaviors.

Submitted date:
08/15/2025

Accepted date:
03/03/2026

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