Dietary Patterns and Weight Status in Italian Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Children

Atypical eating habits are more common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than typically developing (TD) peers. Feeding problems may lead to the double burden of specific nutrient deficiencies and excessive weight gain, with a consequent increase in obesity prevalence. The dietary intake of Italian preschoolers with ASD compared to their TD peers and the impact of their dietary choices on their weight status and relationship to food selectivity (FS) were investigated. Dietary patterns and their associations with body mass index (BMI) were evaluated in 65 children with ASD and 82 peers with TD aged 1.3–6.4 years. Eating habits were assessed with a modified version of a parent-rated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Moreover, the prevalence of FS and possible links with dietary patterns and BMI were investigated in the ASD group. Children with ASD consumed significantly higher amounts of simple sugars, processed and ultra-processed carbohydrates, both low- and high-fat animal proteins, and lower amounts of vegetables and fruits compared to peers with TD. The obesity rate was 1.5% in children with TD and more than fourfold (6.2%) in children with ASD, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. FS was significantly more frequent in children with ASD than in peers with TD. Children with ASD and FS showed significantly lower annual intakes of vegetable proteins and fiber (considered essential nutrients for a healthy diet) than children with ASD without FS. Our results showed that children with ASD showed different dietary habits than those with TD, with the higher consumption of energy-dense foods and lower amounts of food-sourced fibers, which could place them at increased risk to develop overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies later in life.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Managing Food Selectivity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

Food selectivity is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It can be defined as the unwillingness to eat common or new foods, resulting in a lack of variety in the diet or limited food consumption for multiple reasons, such as inflexibility or sensory alterations. We conducted a peer scoping review to describe the interventions that are carried out from occupational therapy (OT) in children with ASD with food selectivity. Two authors independently searched the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE, as well as the OT journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports. Articles exploring OT interventions in children (≤12 years) with ASD and food selectivity, published in Spanish or English, with experimental design, and with full text available were included. Of the 1445 articles identified, 8 articles met the inclusion criteria. Three main intervention categories were identified: sensory–behavioral, family focused, and other interventions. Most of the interventions from OT were aimed at treating sensory–behavioral aspects. Only three articles described interventions led exclusively by occupational therapists, and the rest were led by a multidisciplinary team. Finally, although these interventions are not exclusive to OT, occupational therapists can participate together with other professionals as an essential component in the treatment of food selectivity in children with ASD.

The Effect of Oral Motor Therapy on Feeding Difficulties and Eating Behaviors in Younger ASD Children

Background: A variety of feeding difficulties like aversion of food, food selectivity, complete food refusal are the most common problems reported by the Parents of ASD children. Every parent of ASD children struggles to manage their child’s feeding routine as well as undesirable mealtime behaviours, which can cause parental concern and poor family dynamics. Aim: 1) The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of dedicated oral motor work in children with ASD who presented with feeding difficulty. 2) To determine parental concerns related to feeding behavior shown by their child and assess whether an additional home program in parallel with oral motor work by an Occupational Therapist would provide any benefits. Methods: This is a pre and post study where a total number of 18 ASD children at the age of 2-4 year old were participated and selected through BPFAS, out of which 15 copies were considered to be concerned with the oral motor and feeding difficulties of the child. Therefore, 15 participants who were facing feeding difficulties with their children were recruited. Concerned Participants were further assessed by Occupational therapist with the help of ‘The com deall Oro-motor assessment scale for toddlers’. Results: According to The Com Deall Oral-motor assessment scale, some changes observed in the oral motor skills and When parental concern is considered via home plan including mealtime strategies with oral motor activities, the post intervention result showed decrease in Total problem score as well as in Total frequency score. Conclusion: The study concluded that continuous structured direct oral motor work as well as addressing parental concerns via home programs is helpful for the ASD children and gives better understanding of feeding difficulties to their parents. Also, some changes have been seen in oral motor skills through continuous practice of oral motor activities by the therapist.

Factors Influencing Food Selectivity and Food Preferences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Aims: To determine the Food Preferences and factors influencing food selectivity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from parents of children with Autism by using a questionnaire. Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan. Results: In sample of 68 children 22 (32.4%) were female and 46 (67.6%) were male. Out of 68 children, 55(80.8%) liked rice ,40(58.8%) liked junk food, 41(60.2%) liked bread, 38(55.8%) liked crunchy food and 36(53%) liked fruits. Out of 68 children 32(47%) didn’t need certain silverware or temperature to eat food, 33(48%) didn’t prefer to sit with specific person or chair at meals, 31(.5%) didn’t show any behavior like crying and screaming, 30(44.1%) didn’t refuse food if not in a presentable way and 30(44.1%) disagreed to eat single food three times. Conclusion: This study significantly shows that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has some food preferences. They like to eat soft food like rice and bread rather than churchy one, they like fruits, vegetable, junk food. They show behaviors like throw food while eating and refuses to self-feed. They prefer to watch TV or any electronic device at mealtime. Due to their sensory issues they refuse to taste new food. The result indicates that autistic child has food preferences and they show limited acceptance towards food.