Start With What They Know: Using Motivational Interviewing to Create a Cooking Class, a Culinary Intervention for Teens (Autistic and Non-Autistic)

Creator

Gwendolyn S. Tedder, University of New EnglandFollow

Files

Description

Autistic teens are at greater risk for having heart disease and diabetes as adults. Food particularity, sensory issues, fixed mindset, and anxiety over trying new things can slow down their interest in preparing food for themselves. Nurturing basic cooking skills and gently encouraging trying new foods would provide more nutritional options to teens as they move into adulthood. A cooking class preceded by Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed further interest in preparing food afterward in teens, both autistic and non-autistic, and in trying new foods for autistic teens with food concerns.

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Disciplines

Disability Studies | Education | Food Science | Maternal and Child Health | Nutrition

Preferred Citation

Tedder, Gwendolyn S., "Start With What They Know: Using Motivational Interviewing to Create a Cooking Class, a Culinary Intervention for Teens (Autistic and Non-Autistic)" (2026). LEND Trainee Presentations. 8.
https://dune.une.edu/lend_studpres/8