Assessing and Treating Pediatric Obesity in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Adelle M. Cadieux, Psy.D., is a pediatric psychologist at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI and Clinical Assistant Professor for Michigan State University. She has developed a specialized treatment program to address the needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders who are struggling with obesity at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Healthy Weight Center. As a Clinical Assistant Professor she has assisted in the training of medical residents at the Healthy Weight Center and help promote medical student and resident research in pediatric obesity. She has authored and co-authored multiple articles, and provided presentations and workshops at Society for Pediatric Psychology Annual Conferences, the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Annual Meeting and at American Psychological Association Annual Convention in the area of general pediatric obesity and in the area of pediatric obesity in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. In the Society of Pediatric Obesity (Division 54 of the American Psychological Association), Dr. Cadieux is the chair of the Pediatric Obesity Special Interest Group. Dr. Cadieux has also participated in the Children's Hospital Association's FOCUS on a Fitter Future task force, leading several projects for this national group and continues to collaborate with the ongoing projects that have stemmed from this collaborative task force.

1. Introduction: Purpose and Prevalence.- Chapter 2. Growth and Development.- Chapter 3. Social, Emotional, and Behavior Functioning.- Chapter 4. Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior.- Chapter 5. Nutrition.- Chapter 6. Medical Comorbidities.- Chapter 7. Family Functioning.- Chapter 8. Developing a Comprehensive Treatment Approach.- Chapter 9. Building Prevention into Healthcare Services.- Chapter 10. Developing a Comprehensive Treatment Program.

"This book offers an overview of the presentation, assessment, and treatment of obesity in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and intertwines empirical and clinical knowledge to offer practical strategies for providers. ... it will serve as a solid initial resource for providers less familiar with practice or research in this area. For primary care providers, the book is an excellent starting point, with key considerations for treatment planning prior to engaging outside clinical experts." (Emily S. Kuschner, Doody's Book Reviews, July, 2017)