Risk Factors for Overweight in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Previous literature suggests children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher prevalence of excess weight than typically developing (TD) children, but information addressing risk factor concordance between those with ASD and TD children is lacking. We used a retrospective analysis of children (N = 2610) who visited an Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN) center in the United States or Canada. This analysis occurred concurrently with two other research teams within AS-ATN. We found substantial agreement between predictors of weight in children with ASD and known correlates of obesity in typical children. These included Asian and Hispanic ethnicities, four medication groups, and psychopathological comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms. The similarities of risk factors for weight between TD and ASD children will allow for use of existing protocols for weight interventions with minimal modification, saving resources otherwise spent pursuing new risk factors or treatments.