Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model

Abstract Objective This article outlines the evaluation model for the Cooking with Confidence (CWC) program, developed using Bandura’s Social Learning Theory as its conceptual framework. The evaluation aimed to: (1) Examine participant characteristics in the CWC program, (2) Assess changes in cookin...

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Main Authors: Mi-Yeet Wong, Conner Carlton, Shelby Paul, Jonathan Deutsch, Rachel Sherman, Brandy-Joe Milliron, Nicole Farmer, Rachel Hingst, Claire Richardson, Lindsay Shea
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:BMC Research Notes
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-025-07105-6
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author Mi-Yeet Wong
Conner Carlton
Shelby Paul
Jonathan Deutsch
Rachel Sherman
Brandy-Joe Milliron
Nicole Farmer
Rachel Hingst
Claire Richardson
Lindsay Shea
author_facet Mi-Yeet Wong
Conner Carlton
Shelby Paul
Jonathan Deutsch
Rachel Sherman
Brandy-Joe Milliron
Nicole Farmer
Rachel Hingst
Claire Richardson
Lindsay Shea
author_sort Mi-Yeet Wong
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objective This article outlines the evaluation model for the Cooking with Confidence (CWC) program, developed using Bandura’s Social Learning Theory as its conceptual framework. The evaluation aimed to: (1) Examine participant characteristics in the CWC program, (2) Assess changes in cooking knowledge, skill acquisition, self-efficacy, and confidence, and (3) Identify barriers and facilitators to participant engagement. CWC is a community-based educational program designed to help autistic young adults develop independent living skills and promote health through hands-on cooking classes. Recognizing the need for more opportunities for autistic individuals to practice these skills, the program was created through public and private partnerships. A pre-post study design was employed, with participants completing surveys before and after their involvement in the program. Results Participants reported high satisfaction with the program and showed improvements in cooking knowledge and self-efficacy. The analysis also highlighted participant characteristics, as well as key barriers and facilitators to cooking. Overall, the CWC program demonstrated positive outcomes, with findings offering valuable insights for future program development to enhance its impact.
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language English
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series BMC Research Notes
spelling doaj-art-84cbad7492094b13929cd596c4a3c6872025-01-26T12:13:25ZengBMCBMC Research Notes1756-05002025-01-011811510.1186/s13104-025-07105-6Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation modelMi-Yeet Wong0Conner Carlton1Shelby Paul2Jonathan Deutsch3Rachel Sherman4Brandy-Joe Milliron5Nicole Farmer6Rachel Hingst7Claire Richardson8Lindsay Shea9A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel UniversityA.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel UniversityA.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel UniversityDepartment of Food and Hospitality Management, Drexel UniversityDepartment of Food and Hospitality Management, Drexel UniversityDepartment of Nutrition Sciences, Drexel UniversityNational Institutes of Health, Clinical CenterNational Institutes of Health, Clinical CenterCoalition Against HungerA.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel UniversityAbstract Objective This article outlines the evaluation model for the Cooking with Confidence (CWC) program, developed using Bandura’s Social Learning Theory as its conceptual framework. The evaluation aimed to: (1) Examine participant characteristics in the CWC program, (2) Assess changes in cooking knowledge, skill acquisition, self-efficacy, and confidence, and (3) Identify barriers and facilitators to participant engagement. CWC is a community-based educational program designed to help autistic young adults develop independent living skills and promote health through hands-on cooking classes. Recognizing the need for more opportunities for autistic individuals to practice these skills, the program was created through public and private partnerships. A pre-post study design was employed, with participants completing surveys before and after their involvement in the program. Results Participants reported high satisfaction with the program and showed improvements in cooking knowledge and self-efficacy. The analysis also highlighted participant characteristics, as well as key barriers and facilitators to cooking. Overall, the CWC program demonstrated positive outcomes, with findings offering valuable insights for future program development to enhance its impact.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-025-07105-6AutismAutistic youthCookingCulinaryIndependent living skillsProgram evaluation
spellingShingle Mi-Yeet Wong
Conner Carlton
Shelby Paul
Jonathan Deutsch
Rachel Sherman
Brandy-Joe Milliron
Nicole Farmer
Rachel Hingst
Claire Richardson
Lindsay Shea
Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
BMC Research Notes
Autism
Autistic youth
Cooking
Culinary
Independent living skills
Program evaluation
title Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
title_full Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
title_fullStr Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
title_full_unstemmed Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
title_short Cooking with confidence for autistic youth: outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
title_sort cooking with confidence for autistic youth outcomes from a pilot program evaluation model
topic Autism
Autistic youth
Cooking
Culinary
Independent living skills
Program evaluation
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-025-07105-6
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