Obesity Risk in Individuals with Autism

Positive Reinforcement • March 25, 2025
Child eating - ABA Therapy

In this day and age, rates of obesity are climbing in all demographics; however, people with autism are twice as likely to be obese than those in the neurotypical population. Over 30% of individuals with autism are obese. 


Obesity may be due to hormonal imbalances or physical disabilities, both of which are common in autism. Other factors could include metabolic issues and side effects of medication. Obesity risk can be influenced by genetics, sleep habits, or the level of severity of one’s autism symptoms, and more.


The connection between obesity and autism is complex. Experts say that many factors could merge to increase obesity risk in children with autism. Comorbidities such as endocrine disorders or gastrointestinal issues may change how food moves through the body or how caloric intake is processed. Both of these issues may lead to obesity.


Being obese increases one's risk of a wide range of conditions including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, and other ailments. In fact, most health issues are made worse by living with obesity, and obesity can greatly impact one’s life expectancy. Obesity is also known to limit mobility and reduce overall quality of life. It can bring chronic pain and affect mental health. Depression and anxiety are common in people who suffer from obesity. Many also experience loneliness or low self-esteem. The stigma of obesity in our society can make these social symptoms just as difficult as physical ones.


To top it off, people who have autism and are obese may be predisposed to experience some of these social symptoms, mobility issues, or mental health concerns. Obesity may further compound existing struggles. 


Working against such predispositions may be tricky but not impossible. Do what you can to encourage trying new nutritious food and keeping a healthy relationship with food. Have your child help you prepare meals or grow fresh vegetables—taking ownership of one food in this way can be helpful. Including intentional movement and exercise in your child’s life in various ways can also help your child stay at a healthy weight. Finally, always discuss any concerns you have with your child’s doctor or ABA therapist, and they can provide additional insight into what may best for your child. 


Contact Positive Reinforcement today for in home ABA therapy servicing North Virginia, West Virginia including ABA Therapy in Richmond Virginia  and surrounding cities.


Child brushing teeth - ABA Therapy

How Backward Chaining is Used in ABA Therapy

By Positive Reinforcement • April 17, 2025
One of the most common strategies of ABA therapy alongside individualized goals and positive reinforcement is something called backward chaining. Read on to discover what backward chaining is and how it is used by therapists.
Children in car - ABA Therapy

Traveling with Your Child with Autism

By Positive Reinforcement • April 1, 2025
The spring and summer months are some of the busiest months of the year for vacations and vacation planning. If your child has autism, there are several things you can do to make travel a little easier, whether you’re an experienced vacationer yourself or you’ve never ventured far from home.
Brother and sister standing next to each other - ABA Therapy

Being the Sibling of a Child with Autism

By Positive Reinforcement • February 28, 2025
Sibling relationships are always complex and often difficult—this may be even more likely if you are a sibling to someone who has autism. There is nothing you can do to make their autism go away, but there are steps you can take to be the best sibling you can to them.
Dad reading a book to daughter - Speech therapy for ABA Therapy

Our Top Speech Therapy Tips for Parents

By Positive Reinforcement • February 11, 2025
Approximately 25% of children with autism are nonverbal or nonspeaking. Early intervention programs have lowered this percentage dramatically over the last decade or more.
A woman and a little girl are doing yoga together in a living room.

Exercising at Home and Children with Autism

By Positive Reinforcement • January 28, 2025
Deficient motor skills is considered to be one of the primary symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).. Movement is a great way to slowly develop these skills in your child.
Kid artwork - ABA Therapy with Art

Art as Therapy for Children with Autism

By Positive Reinforcement • January 18, 2025
Art therapy is commonly used for stress relief and to help manage emotions in people of all ages. It is also used with young people who have autism as a complementary therapy.
Child sitting with adult - ABA Therapy

Speech Therapy Goals and Results for Children with Autism

By Positive Reinforcement • January 1, 2025
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects a person’s ability to communicate in many ways. In some cases this is manifested in behavior—rocking, eye contact avoidance, even meltdowns are a form of communication.
Mom making eye contact with son - ABA Therapy

Autism and Eye Contact Avoidance

By Positive Reinforcement • December 24, 2024
According to the Centers for Disease Control, a lack of eye contact is among the most common signs of autism
Dad playing with child - ABA Therapy

Connect With Your Child Through Joint Attention

By Positive Reinforcement • December 1, 2024
Joint attention is a type of interaction where two people focus on the same object or event. For example, a parent and a child looking together at a plane in the sky or giving their attention to a toy that the child is playing with.
Child brushing hair - ABA Therapy at Positive Reinforcement

Getting Dressed: Tips and Routines for Kids with Autism

By Positive Reinforcement • November 26, 2024
One of the many things that children with autism may encounter difficulty with is dressing and undressing themselves. Gross motor skills such as balance and coordination as well as fine motor skills such as using buttons or zippers can factor into this challenge.
More Posts