All children have a right to good health,

including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD).

Obesity is strongly associated with increased risk for chronic disease in the general population. Evidence exists that people with ASD/DD are at similar, if not increased, risk of obesity and its health outcomes. Underweight and/or inadequate nutrient intake in youth with ASD/DD may also have a negative impact on growth, overall health, and well-being. The HWRN strives to combine the knowledge and talents of an interdisciplinary group of researchers to understand and address the biopsychosocial dimensions of obesity in ASD/DD, to promote the development of evidence-based solutions to achieve a healthy weight in this population, and to disseminate research findings to broad and diverse audiences.