Nutrizone: Community Development Program for Autistic Children to Overcome Eating and Diet Difficulties in SLB Negeri Semarang

Abstract

Autism is a functional neurological disorder that may cause impaired communication and behavioral patterns. Nutritional problems in autistic children tended to be found at SLB Negeri Semarang. Referring to the results of the discussions, three main nutritional problems were encountered in autistic children. First, there is a lack of education on diet programs provided for autistic children. Second, deficiency of the right method to introduce healthy food to autistic children due to their picky eating behavior. Third, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to large disruptions in controlling the nutrition of autistic children, especially for teachers and parents. Nutri-App innovation, namely menu calendar and augmented reality pop-up book, is considered capable of being used as an interactive food introduction media for autistic children. This program aimed to develop SLB Negeri Semarang in implementing a diet program for autistic children through the Nutri-App mobile and augmented reality pop-up book application. This program was conducted through the Nutrizone, containing: Nutri-Ready (Program planning), Nutri-Pandai (Guidance for readiness), Nutri-Tangkas (Activities and programs actualization), Nutri-Pantas (Program potential sustainability) with an integrative way for teachers and parents. The results showed an increase in understanding of the diet program, menu preparation skills, and balanced food introduction skills by 76%, 67%, and 64%. The program results show that the Nutri-App and AR pop-up books are very effective, with 4.6 and 4.7. In conclusion, the Nutrizone program can improve understanding of the diet program, menu preparation skills, and food introduction through an integrated program.