Investigating the Relationship of Nutrition- and Exercise-Compromising Health Impairments With Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Children With Special Health Care Needs

Abstract

Background Because children with special health care needs (SHCN) or disabilities are more likely to be obese or overweight than children without disabilities, the author of the current study investigated the relationship between nutrition- and exercise-compromising health impairments with currently having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Purpose To determine whether there was a relationship between nutrition- and exercise-compromising impairments and having ASDs among children with special health care needs. Methods Data were collected through telephone interviews of 40,242 parents/guardians with at least one child under 18 years of age with a special health care need. The data collection tool was the 2009/2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between health impairments and currently having an ASD. Odds ratios for ASD were also generated, adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, and age group. Results Results indicated that having difficulties with coordination and movement as well as difficulties using hands or fingers were associated with currently having an ASD among children with SHCN. Translation to Health Education Practice Study findings suggest that health education specialists must incorporate specific health impairments of coordination, movement, use of hands or fingers, and swallowing or digestive difficulties in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition and exercise programs for children with SHCN with ASDs.