Interprofessional Group of NJLEND Faculty and Nutrition Fellow Write Article for Exceptional Parent Magazine

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

An article on oral health and nutrition concerns for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) written by an interprofessional group of NJLEND Faculty and Nutrition Fellow was published in the February 2021 issue of Exceptional Parent Magazine. Jane Ziegler, DCN, RDN, LDN, NJLEND Nutrition Faculty, Evan Spivak, DDS, NJLEND Dental Faculty, and Karen Stanfar, MPH, RDN, LD, NJLEND Nutrition Fellow, authored “Oral Health and Nutrition Concerns in Autism Spectrum Disorders” to provide information about autism-related behaviors, dietary habits, medical comorbidities, and medication use which may contribute to oral health and nutrition concerns. The article promotes an interdisciplinary approach, involving both dentist and nutritionist, in the development of care plans that account for the specific needs of individuals with ASD and address any co-occurring conditions, medications, and associated behaviors. Interventions demonstrating the importance of adopting a coordinated and multi-specialist approach to care are also described in the article. This collaborative publication exemplifies NJLEND’s commitment to interdisciplinary leadership development for faculty and fellows.