Specific Aspects of Repetitive and Restricted Behaviours are of Greater Significance than Sensory Processing Difficulties in Eating Disturbances in High-Functioning Young Girls with ASD

Abstract

Eating Disturbances (ED) are widely prevalent in young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To investigate the possible role of child-based contributors to that ED in young females, 14 variables were investigated in 37 girls aged 6 yr. to 11 yr. (M age = 8.5 yr) with ASD. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours (RRBs) were the only significant predictor of ED, particularly those behaviours related to rigidity in routines, and restricted range of interests. Sensory Processing and Social Communication and Interactions were not significant predictors of ED in this sample. These findings extend previous studies of the role of RRBs (as a general construct) in ED by identifying specific aspects of RRBs that may elevate the likelihood of ED occurrence in girls with high-functioning ASD.