Teach healthy living skills to adults with autism

Summary

Adults with autism lack nutrition education opportunities and suffer high obesity rates. This project will train 40+ adults in healthy meal prep and food growing, which improves health & independence.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Adults with autism and developmental disabilities face rates of obesity higher than the national rate of obesity in non-disabled adults. There is virtually no comprehensive nutrition education specifically targeted for individuals with autism, and adults have difficulty obtaining life skills such as cooking and preparing meals because community instruction opportunities are lacking. This critical gap in skills further impedes these adults in achieving independence.

How will this project solve this problem?

We provide safe, appropriate and comprehensive instruction in cooking healthy meals and snacks. We also provide opportunities for individuals to grow their own food in community and home gardens and use the garden produce in the classes or at home.

Potential Long Term Impact

We will teach 85+ adults with autism, each year, healthy living skills that will positively impact their health outcomes, lower their likelihood of obesity and obesity-related illness, and improve their overall independence.

Project Message

Cyrus had a difficult time controlling his weight for years. Since he began these classes, he's been eating healthy foods like fresh veggies. Making healthy choices is important for his independence.
- Betty Bahadori, Mother of Cyrus, a 23 year old man with autism.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

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