Abstract
This study was a cross-sectional study to examine problematic mealtime behaviors among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Florida. Forty-one parents completed a 48-item survey. The mean age of their children was 8.1 years and 73% were male. The data were divided and compared by age group: Ages 2–6, 7–11, and 12–17. Data from the 3- to 6-year-old children were extracted and compared with the references from Provost et al. (2010). There were age differences in eating difficulties at home (p = 0.013), fast food restaurants (p = 0.005), and at regular restaurants (p = 0.016). The total mealtime behavior score was significantly higher in early childhood (p < 0.001) and mid-childhood (p = 0.005) than adolescents. More parents of ages 3–6 with ASD reported difficulties with breastfeeding (p < 0.01); concerns about eating (p < 0.001); difficulties related to mealtime locations (p < 0.05), craving certain food (p < 0.05), and being picky eaters (p < 0.01) compared to typically developing children. The total mealtime behavior score was significantly higher in children with ASD than typically developing children (p < 0.001). The results indicate that early childhood interventions are warranted and further research in adolescents is needed.
Highlights
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently exhibit feeding difficulties and problematic mealtime behaviors [1,2,3] and consume fewer types of foods compared to typically developing children [4,5,6]
Half or more of parents reported that they nursed their children (50% to 88%) and experienced difficulties breastfeeding
The results of this study show that the percentages of parents who reported problematic mealtime behaviors and concerns were generally high for children of all ages, indicating that parental concerns regarding children’s mealtime and eating behaviors persist throughout childhood and adolescent years
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently exhibit feeding difficulties and problematic mealtime behaviors [1,2,3] and consume fewer types of foods compared to typically developing children [4,5,6]. Selective eating has been associated with preference for energy-dense foods such as sweetened beverages and snack foods as well as with inadequate consumption of nutrient dense foods such as fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and foods high in fiber [11]. Such imbalanced eating behaviors may contribute to the high prevalence of obesity in children with ASD.
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