Measuring Feeding Disorders in Individuals with Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Abstract

Bandini et al. (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47:439–446, 2007) estimate that approximately 45% to 90% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have problems with eating including restricted eating also known as food selectivity. Furthermore, gastrointestinal (GI) problems in the ASD population occur at a much higher rate than their typically developing peers (Buie et al., Pediatrics, 125:19–29, 2010). Due to the complexity of factors that affect the many feeding problems in individuals with ASD, a multidisciplinary feeding team is essential for the assessment and treatment of feeding disorders. The team approach is advantageous due to shared communication and assessment, planning, and documentation. Intensive multidisciplinary feeding programs for individuals with ASD have been shown to be effective in improving feeding behaviors, reducing caregiver stress, and increasing weight and caloric intake (Laud et al., Behavior Modification, 33:520–536, 2009; Greer et al., Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 33: 612–620, 2007). Disciplines that are often included in multidisciplinary feeding teams include medical doctors, nutrition or dietetics, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, psychology/behavior analysis, social work, and, of course, the family or caregiver of the individual with feeding problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)