Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Obesity is a problem of epidemic proportions for children, and children with developmental disorders, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are at higher risk (30.4%) than the general population (23.6%). Although numerous studies have addressed adolescent obesity in the typically developing population, none exists for adolescents with ASD. The ongoing dissertation research incorporates physical activity through video gaming that should appeal to the adolescent. A single subject, multiple baseline design will be used to determine if inactive and active video gaming has an effect on weight, BMI, waist-to-neck ratio, and triceps skinfold as well as self-reported stress and anxiety. Parental satisfaction will assessed to help determine the social validity of the intervention for improving health outcomes.

Biography

Brandy E Strahan is working on completing her PhD at the University of Florida, College of Nursing and completed her MSN at Florida State University in Nursing Education. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of West Florida, Department of Nursing, teaching pediatric nursing as well as community and public health nursing. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and has served as treasurer.

Email: bstrahan@uwf.edu