Describe the feeding challenges ASD children experience and the negative impact on nutritional status and overall growth associated with these challenges.
Review best-in-class intervention methodologies including behavioral therapy to ensure ASD children receive adequate nutrition.
Discuss the role of nutrition for children with ASD and the benefits of a balanced diet to address nutrient inadequacies.
Identify the collaborative roles of a cross functional team of healthcare professionals when managing patients with food selectivity due to ASD using a case study scenario.
Maureen received her Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics from the University of Dayton and did her Dietetic Internship in Indianapolis. Upon completion, she worked as a Clinical Dietitian at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton where she was responsible for the nutrition support of the Gastroenterology, Diabetes, General Med/Surg, and EENT services. She then moved to Columbus where she completed her Master's Degree in Medical Dietetics at The Ohio State University and then worked as a Senior Clinical Project Leader at Abbott Nutrition, where she wrote protocols, conducted clinical trials, and developed product concepts and was awarded 4 patents. After 11 years with Abbott, she decided to return to OSU to obtain her PhD in Human Nutrition with an emphasis in molecular cell biology. She was then an Assistant Professor for 4 years, where she taught Advanced Nutrition, Pediatric Nutrition, and the Safety and Efficacy of Dietary Supplements. As an OSU faculty member, her research and clinical service centered around children on the autism spectrum, with emphasis on gastrointestinal symptoms and the use of dietary supplements in these children. She returned to the Medical Affairs Dept. at Abbott in 2010 where she is currently a Section Manager in Medical Safety & Surveillance, a Department in Scientific and Medical Affairs, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Ohio State.