Feeding Behaviors Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Feeding difficulties are a prevalent and significant concern among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting their nutritional status and overall health. The objectives of this study were to identify difficult feeders amongst ASD children under our follow-up, to describe the multifaceted nature of feeding difficulties in these children, to ascertain if these findings were similar to those in other populations and finally to identify children who are underweight and obese whilst looking at the correlation to feeding struggles. Children with ASD often exhibit a range of feeding difficulties, including food selectivity, mealtime behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. These challenges are commonly associated with the fundamental characteristics of ASD, including repetitive behaviors and sensory processing issues. These traits can result in strong preferences for food textures, colors, or types, as well as aversions to others.