EDUCAÇÃO NUTRICIONAL PARA FAMÍLIAS DE CRIANÇAS COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA (TEA): FERRAMENTAS E ESTRATÉGIAS PARA MELHORAR A ADESÃO ALIMENTAR E A QUALIDADE DE VIDA DAS FAMÍLIAS

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behavior patterns, frequently associated with food selectivity. This condition may lead to restrictive diets, nutritional deficiencies, and family overload. Considering its relevance, this study aimed to investigate strategies and tools of nutritional education designed to improve food acceptance in children with ASD, seeking to understand their effects on health and quality of life. This research consisted of an integrative literature review carried out in national and international databases, including scientific articles, books, and academic papers published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Recent studies were selected that addressed adapted nutritional interventions, such as parent training programs, behavioral techniques, technological resources, sensory strategies, and telehealth support. The results indicated that structured parent training programs and behavioral techniques were the most effective in increasing food acceptance, while sensory and digital strategies showed promising results, especially when associated with family involvement. Telehealth interventions proved feasible to reduce caregiver stress and support nutritional follow-up, although their effectiveness depended on family adherence. It is concluded that food acceptance in children with ASD requires multifaceted and interdisciplinary approaches, integrating nutritional, sensory, technological, and educational aspects. Active family participation and the use of methodologies tailored to individual needs stand out as decisive factors for the success of interventions. Further longitudinal studies are needed to broaden the understanding of nutritional and functional impacts of these strategies.