Mealtime problems in children with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing siblings: a comparison study

Autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers: Role of sensory profiles and home environment

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to 1) explore the association between autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers; 2) explore the mediating role of sensory processing patterns on the relation of autistic traits and eating-related behaviors; and 3) examine home nurturing environment as a moderator between autistic traits and eating-related behaviors. We hypothesize that there is a significant association between autistic traits and eating behaviors, which is mediated by sensory processing patterns and moderated by the home nurturing environment.

METHOD

509 children aged 3-4 years participated in this cross-sectional research. They were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2) for autistic traits, the Chinese Preschoolers' Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CPEBQ) for eating-related behaviors, the Short Sensory Profile-Second Edition (SSP-2) for sensory processing patterns, and the Children Home Nurture Environment Questionnaire (CHNEQ) for home nurturing environment. Mediation regression analyses were used to examine the role of sensory processing patterns, while moderation analyses to examine the role of home nurturing environment.

RESULTS

We observed a positive association between autistic traits and eating behavior problems among typically developed children. Sensory processing patterns significantly mediated the impact of autistic traits on children's eating-related behaviors and home nurturing environment also moderated this relationship.

DISCUSSION

Our research suggests that Chinese preschoolers with higher autistic traits may face more eating challenges when they possess more heightened sensory processing patterns, while living in supportive home environments helps to improve their eating behaviors. These findings contribute to the understanding of how and to what extent eating problems are influenced by autistic traits, and they offer insight into the alleviation of eating problems from the perspectives of sensory patterns and family nurturing environments.

Food texture experiences across nine age groups in Indian infants from urban areas

The introduction of complementary food plays a fundamental role in dietary behaviours later in life. Little is known about the influences of age on food texture acceptance in young Indian children. Thus, the objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the relationship between age and food texture experiences in young children aged 4-36 months in India from urban areas using a parental-reported survey. This study relies on a face-to-face parent survey, which was conducted comprising 306 children categorised into 9 age groups. Questions focussed on food texture experience considering 16 textures were analysed. Textures such as dissolvable, sticky, and soupy/liquidy were already accepted by more than half of 4-5-month-old infants. In India, soupy/liquidy is a more common base texture than pureed. Indeed, pureed was found to be introduced to a majority of infants only from 8 to 9 months onwards. Food textures such as rubbery, slippery, and foods with skin were more likely rejected by the youngest children. With increasing age, the refusal probability of food textures decreased. Our survey showed food texture experiences in Indian children aged from 4 to 36 months. It provides useful insights for parents and healthcare professionals by contributing to the understanding of texture acceptance during the transition to complementary foods.

Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in an Enriched Familial Likelihood Cohort for Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study aimed to compare the breastfeeding (BF) duration of the younger siblings of children with ASD in an enriched-likelihood cohort for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to determine whether longer BF duration was associated with differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes in this cohort. Information on BF practices was collected via surveys in the MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) study. Developmental evaluations, including the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, were conducted by expert clinicians. Participants' neurodevelopmental outcome was classified by an algorithm into three groups: typical development, ASD, and non-typical development. The median duration of BF was 10.70 months (interquartile range of 12.07 months). There were no significant differences in the distribution of duration of BF among the three neurodevelopmental outcome categories. Children in this enriched-likelihood cohort who were breastfed for > 12 months had significantly higher scores on cognitive testing compared to those who were breastfed for 0-3 months. There was no significant difference in ASD symptomatology or ASD risk based on BF duration.

Feeding Behaviors in Infants and Toddlers Later Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are five times more likely to have feeding difficulties than neurotypical peers, although the majority of evidence describes feeding difficulty in children age 2 years and older. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature on feeding characteristics of children age 0-24 months who were later diagnosed with ASD with an emphasis on the measurement tools used to assess these feeding behaviors. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using PRISMA guidelines. Using selected keywords, a search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases for relevant articles to identify feeding characteristics in infants and toddlers (age 0-24 months) later diagnosed with ASD. Sixteen studies were selected for this review by two independent reviewers. Among the selected studies, feeding difficulties were reported in all infant oral feeding modalities (breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and complementary feeding) by infants later diagnosed with ASD. However, the evidence was conflicting among studies regarding feeding characteristics, such as sucking differences while breastfeeding, use of the spoon with feedings, and preference of solid food texture, that presented in infants later diagnosed with ASD. A lack of consistent measurement of feeding behaviors in infants later diagnosed with ASD contributes to the difficulty in comparison across studies. Future research should focus on developing targeted, validated instruments for measuring feeding difficulty in this population with emphasis on breastfeeding and bottle feeding difficulty.

Validation of the Arabic Version of Feeding Handicap Index for Children with Developmental Disabilities (A-FHI-C)

Children with developmental disabilities have different feeding and swallowing problems. The purposes of the present study were to develop an Arabic version of the FHI-C and to evaluate its validity, consistency, and reliability in Arabic children with developmental disabilities for assessing how feeding and swallowing problems impair the physical, functional, and emotional aspects of children's lives. A prospective study including 113 children [62 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 24 with cerebral palsy (CP), 27 with intellectual disability (ID)], in the age range of 2 to 10 years, selected randomly from the swallowing clinic, phoniatrics unit, Otorhinolaryngology department, University hospital between September 2023 and December 2023 complaining of feeding and swallowing problems. Validity was established by comparing patients` scores to typically developed controls (31 children). For test-retest reliability, forty parents filled out the A-FHI-C again two weeks after their initial visit. Cronbach's alpha for A-FHI-C was 0.986, indicating good internal consistency. Intraclass correlation showed 0.850 with a 95% confidence interval from 0.779 to 0.898. All three clinical groups had significantly higher total FHI-C and FHI-C domain scores than the control group, indicating good validation. A-FHI-C was found to have significantly high test-retest reliability. The current study indicates that in children with ASD, CP, ID, feeding problems are more prevalent than children who are typically developed. The scores obtained can be used by phoniatricans to evaluate feeding problems and monitor the progress of the therapy plan in children with developmental disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home and in School

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings a lifetime of considerations for individuals and their families. The core symptoms of ASD vary in severity and influence behavior and function across all environments. Co-occurring medical, mental health, cognitive, language, learning, and behavioral differences add challenges to those associated with core symptoms. Navigating the preschool, school, and transition ages in the educational setting requires continual reassessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the student to provide appropriate placement and services.

Parents' perceptions of the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on the eating behaviors and routines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Background

Restricted interests and repetitive behavior are characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The likelihood that persons with ASD will respond adversely to unfamiliar situations is great. The novel coronavirus outbreak has resulted in disruptions to all aspects of routine and behavior. Hence, this study proposed to investigate the impact of the outbreak on the eating behavior and routines of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia through the perceptions of their parents.

Method

A cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was utilized to obtain data from 150 parents of children with ASD aged ≤18 years in Saudi Arabia. The data collected included demographic data of the parents, the ASD status of the family, impact of COVID-19 to the family, eating behavior of the children with ASD, and daily routines of the children with ASD. Moreover, parents were able to provide comments regarding their children's eating behavior or daily routines.

Results

The study found that changes in the eating behavior of children with ASD were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) based on the number of children with ASD, the age of the children with ASD, the gender of the children with ASD, and the severity of their ASD symptoms. Moreover, changes to dinner-time routines were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) based on the age of the children with ASD. Also, changes to morning routines were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) based on the age of the children with ASD, their gender, and the severity of their ASD symptoms. Additionally, impact of COVID-19 to the family had a significant impact to eating behavior and daily routines of the children with ASD.

Conclusion

This study found that the eating behavior and daily routines of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia have been considerably worsened and changed. The study recommends the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams and parents to modify or design interventions that help to change their eating behavior and routine can be implemented in the home. It also recommends the provision of virtual helplines to aid parents of children with ASD in such cases.

Feeding children with autism in South Africa: The teachers' perspectives

Background

Over 80% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (autism) exhibit disruptive behaviours during mealtimes, highlighting the need for personalised care. In South Africa, teachers often take on the responsibility of feeding due to resource constraints and the time children spend at school. Moreover, children with autism have unique and individualised feeding requirements, which many teachers may not have the necessary training or skills to address adequately.

Objectives

To explore the ways in which teachers of autistic children manage feeding difficulties in the classroom.

Method

A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews. Eight teachers were interviewed on feeding autistic children between the ages of 3 years - 9 years in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The findings revealed that teachers encountered distinct challenges when it came to feeding autistic children in the classroom, particularly concerning the management of associated feeding difficulties. Teachers employed several strategies to encourage eating in the classroom setting including: (1) bolus modification, (2) behaviour modelling, (3) positive reinforcement and (4) offering choices and alternatives.

Conclusion

The study concludes the need for specialised support and training for teachers to address the individualised feeding needs of children with autism. Implementing targeted interventions and providing resources for teachers could enhance their abilities to effectively support children with autism during mealtimes and promote a more inclusive classroom environment.

Contribution

This study highlighted the importance of including the teacher in the multidisciplinary team when managing the feeding challenges in children with autism.

Clinical Validation of Feeding Handicap Index for Children (FHI-C)

Children with developmental disabilities (DD) exhibit feeding and swallowing difficulties, which can have an impact on nutritional, developmental, and psychological aspects. The existing tools assess the nature of feeding problems and behaviors only. The present study aimed to assess the physical, functional, and emotional domains in children with DD with feeding issues using Feeding handicap index for children (FHI-C). For clinical validation, FHI-C was administered on the parents/caregivers of 60 children with cerebral palsy, 61 with autism spectrum disorder, 59 with intellectual disability and 60 typically developing children in the age range of 2 to 10 years. The results revealed that the mean scores (Total FHI-C and FHI-C domain scores) were significantly higher for all three clinical groups than for the control group, which revealed good clinical validity. Also, FHI-C was found to have significantly high test-retest reliability. The study presents a valid and reliable tool for assessing the psychosocial handicapping effects of feeding problems in children with DD. FHI-C provides a holistic picture about the psychosocial impact of feeding problems in children with DD and will assist the clinicians in prioritizing the goals for feeding therapy. The scores obtained can be used as reference for pre and post therapy comparison purposes.

Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Statistical Analysis in Southern Italy

This paper focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and food selectivity, both of which are prevalent in the pediatric population. In this context, the authors paid attention to food selectivity and its possible correlation with the atypicality of sensory processes, outlining the useful rehabilitation treatments to draw on. This research included the parents or caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and placed within a therapeutic clinic. The sample is composed of 111 children, males and females, aged between 2 and 10 years, and includes 60 children diagnosed with autism and 51 children with normotypical development, similar in characteristics but without the disorder. The standardized questionnaire, "Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory", was developed to examine behavior during meals, especially in children with ASD. The "Brief Sensory Profile", and the "Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale", were also administered. The results obtained from the analysis lead to evidence of eating and food selectivity difficulty. Additionally, our study demonstrates that food selectivity can be caused by extreme sensory modulation and sensory problems related to the smell, texture, color, and temperature of food. In fact, the results obtained emphasize the correlation between food selectivity and the sensory domains of taste and smell. Furthermore, this research highlights a correlation between motor skills and eating skills, particularly regarding food selectivity, which is closely associated with atypical and disruptive behaviors during meals.

Associations between parenting strategies and BMI percentile among Latino children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Introduction

Maintaining healthy weight is a challenge for all children, and particularly for children with IDD compared to nondisabled children and for Latino children compared to non-Latino White children. Parenting practices related to food intake and physical activity have been found to be important in maintaining children's weight. In this study, we describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity status among Latino children with IDD and their maternal caregivers and determine the relationship between food and physical activity parenting practices and childhood obesity among Latino children with IDD.

Methods

We interviewed 94 Latino parent/child dyads and collected information about parenting practices, home environment, and parent and child height and weight using standardized measures. Parent body mass index (BMI) and child BMI percentile were calculated from height and weight.

Results

The combined overweight/obesity status for children in our sample was high (60.3%) compared to national rates among nondisabled Latino children (56%) and non-Latino White children with autism (37%). Contrary to research on nondisabled children, we found that greater parental use of controlling dietary strategies was associated with lower BMI percentile in Latino children with IDD. These findings may be indicative of the fact that children with IDD tend to have unique dietary behaviors that warrant more disability and culturally sensitive strategies.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that overweight and obesity is especially prevalent for Latino children with IDD and that more research is needed on family factors that promote health in Latino families of children with IDD.

Body Composition in Fussy-Eating Children, with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Their Parents, Following a Taste Education Intervention

Fussy eaters may have an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese as adolescents, with fussy eating and weight status also correlating with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further, maternal and children's weight status relationships are well-established. In this study, we analyzed the body composition of parent-child dyads using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Fifty-one children aged 8-12 years, with an ND (n = 18) and without (n = 33), and their parents, participated in a 7-week food-based Taste Education intervention with 6-month follow-up. The paired t-test was used to compare differences in body composition based on children's ND status. In logistic regression analysis, odds of children being in the overweight/obese or overfat/obese categories increased by a factor of 9.1 and 10.6, respectively, when having NDs, adjusting for parents' BMI (body mass index) or fat percentage (FAT%). Children with NDs and their parents had significantly higher mean BMI-SDS (BMI standard deviation score) and FAT% at pre-intervention than children without NDs and their parents. Mean BMI-SDS and FAT% lowered significantly between time points for children with NDs and their parents but not for children without NDs or their parents. The findings underline the need for additional exploration into the relationships between children's and parents' body composition based on children's ND status.

Food Selectivity in Children with Autism: Guidelines for Assessment and Clinical Interventions

Autisms Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by core symptoms (social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors) and related comorbidities, including sensory anomalies, feeding issues, and challenging behaviors. Children with ASD experience significantly more feeding problems than their peers. In fact, parents and clinicians have to manage daily the burden of various dysfunctional behaviors of children at mealtimes (food refusal, limited variety of food, single food intake, or liquid diet). These dysfunctional behaviors at mealtime depend on different factors that are either medical/sensorial or behavioral. Consequently, a correct assessment is necessary in order to program an effective clinical intervention. The aim of this study is to provide clinicians with a guideline regarding food selectivity concerning possible explanations of the phenomenon, along with a direct/indirect assessment gathering detailed and useful information about target feeding behaviors. Finally, a description of evidence-based sensorial and behavioral strategies useful also for parent-mediated intervention is reported addressing food selectivity in children with ASD.

Generating Items for a Novel Bedside Dysphagia Screening Tool Post Acute Pediatric Stroke

Bedside dysphagia assessment protocols are not well developed in acute pediatric stroke unlike adults. The objective of this study was to identify items deemed relevant and feasible by expert consensus to inform the development of a bedside dysphagia screening tool for acute pediatric stroke. A two-phase study was conducted: (1) literature review and expert consultation generated a comprehensive list of dysphagia assessment items; (2) items were formatted in an online survey asking respondents opinion of relevance to acute pediatric stroke and feasibility for bedside administration by a trained health professional. The Dillman Tailored Design approach optimized response rate. Respondents were identified using the snowball method. Speech-language pathologists with > 2 years in pediatric dysphagia were invited to complete the survey. Demographic and practice variables were compared using univariate statistics. Item relevance and feasibility were made using binary or ordinal responses, combined to derive item-content validity indices (I-CVI) to guide item reduction. Items with I-CVI > 0.78 (excellent content validity) were moved forward to tool development. Of the 71 invited respondents, 57(80.3%) responded, of which 34(59.6%) were from North America. Sixty-one items were generated of which 4(6.6%) items were rated 'to keep'. These were face symmetry (I-CVI:0.89), salivary control (I-CVI:0.95), alertness (I-CVI:0.89) and choking (I-CVI:0.84). Of all respondents, 31(54.4%) endorsed swallowing trials, of which 25(80.6%) endorsed thin liquid by teaspoon (n = 17, 68%) or open cup (n = 20, 80%). We identified candidate items for bedside dysphagia screening with excellent content validity for acute pediatric stroke patients. Next steps include assessment of the psychometric value of each item in identifying dysphagia in children in the acute stage of recovery from stroke.

Nutrient intake and adequacy in children with autism spectrum disorder: EPINED epidemiological study

LAY ABSTRACT

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a fivefold elevated risk of developing eating problems, which predisposes them to nutritional deficiencies. This study assesses nutritional intake and adequacy in children with ASD, subdiagnostic autistic symptoms and typically developing (TD) children. Preschool children with ASD and subdiagnostic symptoms had slightly lower intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), vitamin D and vitamin B12. Primary school children with ASD and subdiagnostic symptoms had slightly higher intake of protein, cholesterol, thiamine and niacin, and a higher percentage of obesity than children with TD. All children had a high intake in sugars, fats and saturated fatty acids; a very highly inadequate intake of vitamins (vitamins D and E), fibre, b-carotene, calcium and magnesium; and a moderately inadequate intake of vitamin C, folate and iron. However, although all children need nutrition advice, children with ASD and subdiagnostic autistic symptoms had a poorer quality diet than those with TD.

Food Difficulties in Infancy and ASD: A Literature Review

PURPOSE

The aim of this literature review is to investigate the potential association between specific food difficulties and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the first two years of life.

MATERIALS

The search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and PsycInfo databases.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were synthesized (3763 infants and children). Difficulties during breastfeeding, breast milk refusal and avoidance of taking solids have been linked to ASD. Infants with ASD have been referred to as picky eaters. Problematic mealtime behaviour during infancy has also been associated with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review highlights the association between food difficulties, including problematic mealtime behaviours, food selectivity, breastfeeding difficulties and food refusal during infancy and ASD early during life, including the first months.

Life under lockdown for children with autism spectrum disorder: Insights from families in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak due to significant changes to their daily routines, social interactions and diets. In addition, these challenges may be exacerbated for children living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as South Africa where there are already barriers such as poverty, access to resources and availability of support. Understanding the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on children with ASD is imperative in order to create awareness as well as provide equitable services and support to both children with ASD and their families.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to explore family-reported changes for children with ASD and their reactions and responses to the Covid-19 restrictions in South Africa.

METHOD

A qualitative research design was employed. Twelve families consisting of different family compositions with a total of 21 family members (mothers, fathers and grandmothers) participated in the current study using semistructured interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed using a framework method for thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that children with ASD present with unique challenges related to Covid-19. Negative themes such as children's obstructive reactions due to the immediate changes to their routines, increases in emotional dysregulation as well as loss of previously acquired skills as a result of lack of access to services during lockdown were reported. However, families also reported on positive changes such as improved social interactions as children became more accustomed to their new lockdown routines.

IMPLICATIONS

The Covid-19 response has had a negative impact on children with disabilities, specifically around access to services and support for both children with ASD and their families. While the future of the virus and impending lockdown measures is unknown, clinicians, providers and educators need to ensure that provisions are made for children's current adjustments as well as further adjustments to their current routines both during and after the pandemic.

Dietary intake in children on the autism spectrum is altered and linked to differences in autistic traits and sensory processing styles

Diets of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum often differ when compared to their non-autistic peers. Most dietary studies have been limited by small sample sizes and rarely assess the heterogeneity of autism. Addressing this gap, this study compared the anthropometrics, dietary composition, dietary quality, and food variety of 154 Australian children and adolescents on the spectrum and 213 non-autistic children (71 siblings and 142 unrelated controls). Beyond the case-control approach, within-group comparisons assessed the influence of autism clinical presentations and sensory processing styles on body mass index (BMI) and measures of dietary intake among those on the spectrum. In this word first study of diet that included between-group comparisons with non-autistic peers (siblings and an unrelated comparison group) and within-autism group comparisons, we found that children on the spectrum consumed limited variety and lower quality of food and non-autistic siblings also ate comparably higher levels of energy-dense, nutrient poor food, and less diary. This may be due to autistic traits influencing family's diets or shared sensory sensitivities driving dietary intake. Within the autism group, higher autistic traits were associated with lower BMIs and a specific dietary pattern higher in simple carbohydrates and lower in unprocessed protein. Contrastingly, greater sensitivity to sensory stimuli was associated with a healthier diet. Increased age was linked to more varied diets but also diets higher in saturated fats and energy-dense, nutrient poor foods. Overall, this research highlights that potential mediators of dietary intake, such as familial influences, autistic traits, sensory processing styles, age and sex, need to be considered when assessing diet in the autistic population. LAY SUMMARY: In this study of dietary differences linked to autism, children, and teenagers on the spectrum ate fewer different foods and were less likely to eat recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables when compared to non-autistic siblings and unrelated children and teenagers. There were also family differences, in that those on the spectrum and their siblings ate more unhealthy foods and less dairy. Among those on the spectrum, dietary differences were linked to age, sex, autistic traits and sensory processing styles.

Changes in Eating Behaviors Following Taste Education Intervention: Focusing on Children with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Their Families: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Fussy-eating children often display problematic behaviors around mealtimes, such as irritation, opposition, or may even throw tantrums. This may lead to reduced food variety and poor nutritional profiles, which may increase parents' worries about their children's diet, particularly when the children also have neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). To investigate the effect of Taste Education on problematic mealtime behaviors, 81 children aged 8-12 years, with ND (n = 33) and without (n = 48), and their parents, participated in a 7-week Taste Education intervention. Children were matched on age, sex, and ND, and allocated at random into Immediate-intervention and Delayed-intervention groups. Parents completed the Meals in Our Household Questionnaire (MiOH). To examine changes in MiOH-scores, repeated-measures analysis-of-variance with time-points were used, with condition as factors (Immediate intervention and Delayed intervention). Baseline measures were adjusted for, and a robust linear mixed-model was fitted. Results showed superior outcomes for Intervention compared to waiting on all measures of MiOH, with stable effects through six-month follow-up. Differences were non-significant between children with and without ND. The Taste Education program suggests a promising, simple, and non-intrusive way to reduce children's problematic mealtime behaviors in the long term.

Prevalence Models to Support Participation: Sensory Patterns as a Feature of All Children’s Humanity

Purpose

Research about children tends to consider differences from expected patterns problematic, and associates differences with disabilities [e.g., Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)]. When we focus on disabilities and consider differences automatically problematic, we miss the natural variability in the general population. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF 11) acknowledges that the experience of disability results from interactions between “environmental” and “personal” factors which determine the person’s capacity to participate. The purpose of this study was to examine sensory patterns across a national sample of children in the general population and samples of children with disabilities to investigate the extent to which differences in sensory processing are representative of natural variability rather than automatically problematic or part of a disability.

Materials and Methods

We employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine sensory processing patterns in children in the general population and autistic children and children with ADHD. We used standardization and validity data from the Sensory Profile 2 to conduct analyses.

Results

Consistent sensory patterns exist across all groups. Children in all groups had different rates of certain patterns.

Conclusion

Since children in all groups have certain sensory patterns, we cannot associate differences with problematic behaviors. Children participating successfully with all sensory patterns might provide insights for universal design that supports participation of all children.

Oral Sensory Sensitivity Influences Attentional Bias to Food Logo Images in Children: A Preliminary Investigation

Background

Children's sensory processing patterns are linked with their eating habits; children with increased sensory sensitivity are often picky eaters. Research suggests that children's eating habits are also partially influenced by attention to food and beverage advertising. However, the extent to which sensory processing influences children's attention to food cues remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the attentional bias patterns to food vs. non-food logos among children 4-12 years with and without increased oral sensory sensitivity.

Design

Children were categorized into high (n = 8) vs. typical (n = 36) oral sensory sensitivity by the Sensory Profile-2. We used eye-tracking to examine orientation and attentional bias to food vs. non-food logos among children with high vs. typical oral sensory sensitivity. We used a mixed model regression to test the influence of oral sensory sensitivity to attentional biases to food vs. non-food logos among children.

Results

Results showed that children with high oral sensory sensitivity showed attentional biases toward non-food logos; specifically, children with high oral sensory sensitivity oriented more quickly to non-food logos as compared to food logos (p < 0.05), as well as spent more time looking at non-food logos as compared to food logos (p < 0.05). Findings were in the opposite direction for children with typical oral sensory sensitivity.

Conclusion

Sensory sensitivity may be an individual characteristic that serves as a protective mechanism against susceptibility to food and beverage advertising in young children.

Weight Status and Associated Risk Factors of Mealtime Behaviours among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Atypical mealtime behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been linked with oral sensory hypersensitivity that may contribute to food selectivity and weight issues. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the association between atypical mealtime behaviours and associated risk factors besides exploring the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian children with ASD in community settings. A total of 150 children with ASD aged 3−11 years participated in this study. A self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic variables, mealtime behaviours and oral sensory processing was completed by the caregivers. The prevalence of overweight in the study samples was 18.5%, whereas obesity was 20.0%. In a multivariate analysis model, oral sensory processing (B = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.493, 0.722, p < 0.001), severity of autism symptoms (moderate and severe) (B = 2.585, 95% CI = 0.722, 4.448, p = 0.007) and younger children with ASD (B = −0.694, 95% CI = −1.189, −0.199, p = 0.006) were found as independent predictors of atypical mealtime behaviours. Children with ASD aged 3−11 years old have a higher prevalence of being overweight and obese, thus requiring regular anthropometric screening in community settings by relevant healthcare professionals. Furthermore, a relationship was found between oral sensory difficulties and atypical mealtime behaviours in children with ASD. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the overall management of food selectivity in this population.

Evaluation of MealSense©: A Sensory Integration-Based Feeding Support Program for Parents

IMPORTANCE

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience feeding challenges related to difficulties with sensory integration.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the content, acceptability, and usefulness of MealSense©, an online parent education program for children with ASD who have feeding challenges related to poor sensory integration.

DESIGN

A descriptive study in which experts reviewed and rated MealSense content for consistency with Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) principles and evidence-based practices in feeding.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of expert reviewers (n = 5) and parents of children with ASD and feeding challenges (n = 5).

RESULTS

Expert ratings (n = 5) met criteria showing that MealSense is consistent with ASI and evidence-based practices in feeding. Parent ratings (n = 5) met criteria showing that MealSense is acceptable and useful.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

MealSense is acceptable and useful to parents of children with ASD and is consistent with ASI and evidence-based practices in feeding. What This Article Adds: This study provides preliminary support for MealSense as an evidence-based tool to supplement direct intervention for children with ASD and feeding difficulties. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy in improving the transfer of feeding skills into the home environment.

Convergent validity of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire (ASD-MBQ) for children with autism spectrum disorder

There was a growing interest in difficulties with eating as one of the most problematic symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study is to examine the convergent validity of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire (ASD-MBQ) with the Asahide’s test for social adjustment skills, the Japanese version of the short version of the sensory profile questionnaire, the Japanese version of the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Parenting Strain Index in Japanese children with ASD. The final sample contained 294 children who were diagnosed as the ASD based on the DSM-5 criteria, the mean age of children was 10 ± 4 years (range: 3–18 years). The ASD-MBQ is a questionnaire that comprised of 42 items that are classified into five subdomains: selective eating, clumsiness/manners, interest in/concentration on eating, oral-motor function, and overeating. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient revealed that the ASD-MBQ showed the moderate to high correlation coefficient with all four external criteria. Our results in this study supported the sufficient convergent validity in the ASD-MBQ. Therefore, the ASD-MBQ could be a useful tool for research and practice in a wide range of children with ASD aged 3 to 18.

Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory to Assess Self-Care Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

IMPORTANCE

Caregiver rating scales often give an unclear picture of the actual self-care performance of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

OBJECTIVE

To assess self-care performance among preschool children with ASD using two standardized instruments.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Clinics, hospitals, and early intervention centers in Tainan, Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty children with ASD (ages 48-71 mo). Outcomes and Measures: The Standard Version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), and the Chinese version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-C).

RESULTS

About 53.3% of children with ASD scored below 1.5 logits for AMPS motor skills and below 1 logit for AMPS process skills, indicating difficulties performing activities of daily living tasks. The average PEDI-C self-care normative standard scores were moderately low (between -1 and -2 SDs), indicating poor self-care performance. The correlations between the two measures were also low (rs = .27-.44). Overall, the results for 36 children were consistent with AMPS and PEDI-C scores; however, those for 24 children (40.0%) were discrepant.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings have implications for how preschool children with ASD perform their self-care activities and suggest that more than half of preschool children with ASD have a need for occupational therapy interventions that target self-care skills. Occupational therapy practitioners can work with preschool children with ASD and their families to help them improve their self-care performance. What This Article Adds: Many children with ASD need occupational therapy interventions that target self-care skills. Both the AMPS and the PEDI-C provide valuable information from different perspectives on the self-care performance of preschool children with ASD.

Feeding and Swallowing Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties related to communication and behaviour. However, their feeding issues are most distressing to their families and healthcare professionals as they impact on the children's adaptive function and health. In comparison to typically developing children, those with ASD experience significantly more feeding difficulties. Children with ASD may display distinctive feeding difficulties and atypical feeding behaviours that include picky eating, limited independent feeding, need for increased feeding times, and a highly restrictive food repertoire. Many of these feeding difficulties continue into childhood, persist in adolescence, and even spill over into adulthood. This proves to be a formidable challenge, as feeding is an essential component for healthy nutrition, growth, and development. This article will highlight how particular food items that are eaten and preferred by affected children may be contributing to their exhibited feeding difficulties. Next, it will be shown how the children's restrictive diets supplant more healthy food options. When this is combined with the children's noted reduced physical activity, the consequences are especially serious, as they include not only malnutrition but also give rise to childhood obesity. In sum, it will be demonstrated that feeding difficulties in young children with ASD are not well understood nor managed. The dearth of knowledge about feeding issues in this population affects both assessment choices and, specifically, management practices - aspects that will be elaborated on in this article. Conclusions will include suggested future directions for enhancing and complementing knowledge of these issues for stakeholders.

Feeding/Eating Problems in Children Who Refrained From Treatment in the Past: Who Did (Not) Recover?

BACKGROUND

Young children with disordered feeding may be at increased risk for problematic eating in the future. This retrospective study attempts to identify predictors of later feeding problems.

OBJECTIVES

Children (N = 236) with disordered feeding, who refrained from behavioral treatment after consultation at a tertiary treatment center for feeding and eating problems were followed-up after, on average, 6 years and 3 months (timepoint 2).

METHOD

Logistic regressions were carried out with characteristics taken at intake (timepoint 1)-sex, pre/dysmaturity, gastro-intestinal disease, history of age-adequate feeding, syndrome/developmental impairment, autism spectrum disorder, comorbidity, age, and several variables of a restrictive- and selective food intake-and duration between timepoint 1 and 2, as predictor variables, and age-appropriate food intake at t2 as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Despite improvement over time, 63% did not reach an age-adequate food intake at t2. Predictors of age-inadequate food intake were: (a) older age; (b) sex (male), (c) longer duration between timepoint 1 and timepoint 2; (d) autism spectrum disorder; (e) selective texture choices and (f) lack of varied nutritional intake.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that most untreated young children's feeding problems do not improve over years. Besides the advice to seek help at an early age, it seems especially recommended to treat (male) children with autism spectrum disorder and selective feeding patterns.

Parent-reported feeding characteristics in children with ASD vs. children who are typically developing

Background

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often report that their children have multiple dietary behavior problems than parents of typically developing (TD) children do. This may affect proper nutrition and subsequently adequate growth and development in children with ASD. The current study aimed to assess the feeding behavior in recently diagnosed children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) ranged in age from 2 to 4 years and compare it with typically developing (TD) children and to explore the relationship between feeding behaviors and autism severity using the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), respectively. Parents of 35 preschool children (2–4 years) with ASD completed reports of physical measurements, feeding interview, Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH Feeding-Scale). The collected data from parents of children with ASD were analyzed and compared with 70 typically developed children matched with age and sex.

Results

ASD children showed statistically significantly more problematic feeding behaviors in most of the assessed eating characters compared with TD children, e.g., food neophobia, eating non-food items instead of food, requiring assistance during eating, and feeding avoidance to particular textures and taste. The mean total score of the MCH feeding scale differed significantly between children with ASD and TD children. No correlation was found between the mean total score of the MCH feeding scale and CARS scores.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a high rate of behavioral feeding problems in children with ASD. Future work will be needed to follow up the feeding behaviors and to develop practical feeding approaches for ASD children to maintain nutritional adequacy.

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.

An investigation of the relationship between the eating behaviours of children with typical development and autism spectrum disorders and parent attitudes during mealtime eating behaviours and parent attitudes during mealtime

BACKGROUND

Nutrition has significant importance in the course of growth and development in early childhood. Selective and fussy eating is prevalent among children with autism spectrum disorder and can have a profound impact on parents' mealtime actions.

AIMS

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental mealtime actions and the eating behaviours of children aged 3-5 years with typical development (TD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

METHODS

A total of 180 parents of children between 3 and 5 years in Ankara participated in the study; 90 were parents of children with TD, and 90 were parents of children with ASD. We measured the variables using the Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behaviour in Children (BAMBIC), Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), and Parent Mealtime Action Scale (PMAS).

RESULTS

The results revealed that food refusal, disruptive behaviours, and limited variety in TD children were related to parental actions, such as the use of rewards. We also found a negative correlation between enjoyment of food and the use of rewards. Children with ASD displayed differences concerning food refusal, and their parents were found to prepare more special meals for them compared with children with TD.

CONCLUSION

Despite differences, the eating behaviours of children with TD and ASD show similarities in some cases. If a child has a low interest in eating, then their parents tend to be more insistent, use more rewards, and offer special meals. On the contrary, a child's high interest in eating harms such parental behaviours. Because an acknowledgement that a relationship exists between the eating behaviours of children and parental actions would make intervening to shape parental attitudes easier, it is recommended that future studies should be carried out to respond to the eating problems of children by working with parents.

Taste education - A food-based intervention in a school setting, focusing on children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. A randomized controlled trial

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) have high levels of fussy eating. However, no school-based food interventions exist for children with ASD and ADHD. To investigate the effect of Taste Education, 81 children with ND (n = 33), and without (n = 48), aged 8-12 years, and their parents, participated in a 7-week food intervention. Children were matched on age, ND, and sex, and randomized into Immediate-intervention and Delayed-intervention groups. Parents completed the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), and a food-variety questionnaire. After adjusting for baseline measures, repeated-measures analysis-of-variance with time-points, and condition as factors (Immediate intervention and Delayed intervention) were used to examine changes in CEBQ-scores, with a robust linear mixed-model fitted. Changes in percentage of accepted foods were tested using a logistic-regression model adjusting for baseline acceptance. Results showed superior results for Intervention compared to waiting, on Food fussiness, but not Enjoyment of food, with stable effects through six-months follow-up. There were non-significant differences between children with and without ND. Results also showed increased odds of accepting vegetables by a factor of 1.6 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.33-1.93, p < .001); nuts and seeds by a factor of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.27-1.6, p < .001), but no significant association for fruit (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.92-1.34, p = .244). Trends were similar for children regardless of ND-status. The Taste Education program, shows promise, as a simple, non-invasive way to decrease fussy eating and increase food variety in the long-term.

Fussy Eating among Children and Their Parents: Associations in Parent-Child Dyads, in a Sample of Children with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Parents are important agents in shaping children's eating habits. However, the associations between children's and parents' eating behaviors are complex and may be convoluted for various reasons, such as parenting feeding styles, stressful mealtimes, and children's neurodevelopmental disorders (ND), such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this study was to analyze associations between parents and their children's fussy eating, in a cross-sectional sample of children, with and without ND. Ninety-seven parents answered screening questionnaires prior to an intervention study. Associations were investigated using two-way ANOVAs and chi-square analyses. Overall, children with ND accepted fewer food items and consumed unhealthier foods more frequently than children without ND. Fussy eating parents had children who accepted fewer food items and consumed unhealthier foods more frequently than children whose parents were not fussy eaters. Interaction effects were not significant. A higher proportion of fussy eating parents, than non-fussy eating parents, had children who had difficulties with combined foods and hidden ingredients. The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the relationships between parents' influence on their children's eating behavior and food consumption, as well as possible reciprocal impacts.

Impact of eating habits and nutritional status on children with autism spectrum disorder

Objectives

Obesity is common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They suffer more feeding problems than children with normal developmental milestones. Several kinds of diet are recommended for children with ASD. This study determines the frequency of eating disorders and obesity among such children. We investigate the predisposing factors of eating disorders and examine the effects of consumed food on autism scores.

Methods

In this single-centre, cross-sectional study, 46 children with ASD aged between 2 and 10 years were included. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) forms were filled in by their parents.

Results

The rates of being overweight and obese were 10.9% and 28.3%, respectively. Food selectivity was observed in 84.8% of the children, and BAMBI food refusal scores were significantly higher for those aged between 2 and 5 years (p = 0.03). Autism scores and consumption of milk, yoghurt, oily seeds, rice/pasta, and fruits (p < 0.05) were significantly correlated. There were also significant differences between these scores and the frequency of consuming eggs, legumes, and other cereals (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Obesity was more common in children with ASD than typically developed children. Despite the high rate of food selectivity, our findings confirmed that food selectivity could be considered independent of obesity. Further, the diet of patients with ASD must include more fruits, yogurt, eggs, legumes, other cereals, less milk, and less rice/pasta.

Impact of Disruptive Behavior in Childhood Feeding Difficulties

Pediatric feeding problems occur in 25-40% of all children and disproportionately affect children with health and/or developmental concerns. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at particularly high risk for feeding difficulties, though the connection between ASD and feeding problems is not well understood. As issues related to problematic feeding behavior frequently present to outpatient pediatric clinics, there is a need to understand the common factors that contribute to the development of both adaptive and maladaptive feeding behaviors. The current study examined predictors of problematic feeding behavior in children with and without ASD. Parents of children with ASD reported significantly greater child disruptive behavior, parenting stress, child feeding difficulties, and problematic parental feelings and strategies regarding feeding. Child disruptive behavior and parenting stress contributed the most variance in the prediction of child feeding difficulties and the relation between child disruptive behavior and feeding difficulties was partially mediated by parental strategies and feelings.

Do Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Eat Differently and Less Adequately than Those with Subclinical ASD and Typical Development? EPINED Epidemiological Study

Food consumption in children with ASD, subclinical ASD and with typical development (TD), and their adequacy to dietary recommendations was studied. A school population sample of 77 children with ASD, 40 with subclinical ASD, and 333 with TD participated. Compared to children with TD, pre-schoolers with ASD consumed fewer raw vegetables and less fish and eggs, while primary school children consumed fewer legumes, raw vegetables, citrus fruits, cheese/yogurt and olive oil, and more meat. All groups consumed an excess of sugar but those with ASD consumed even a greater amount than their peers. The higher prevalence of obesity found in primary school children with ASD may be the consequence of a less healthy eating pattern sustained over time.

Eggs, sugar, grated bones: colour-based food preferences in autism, eating disorders, and beyond

In 1913, eccentric French composer Erik Satie wrote a fragmentary, diary-like essay where he depicted a strikingly rigid diet consisting solely of white foods: eggs, sugar, coconuts, rice, cream cheese, fuchsia juice and so on. Satie's brief essay has later been used as one of many puzzle pieces in attempts to retrospectively diagnose him with autism spectrum disorder. With Satie's white meal as a starting point, this paper explores colour-based food preferences and selective eating in clinical and non-clinical populations, with a special focus on autism spectrum disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). General colour preferences and their causes as well as the impact of colour on taste and food identification are also explored. Selective eating during childhood is immensely common and does not generally lead to disordered eating in the long run, although subgroups may experience rigidity around food of a more enduring nature. Problems related to eating were repeatedly described in Kanner's original 1943 autism case series and continue to be common in autism. Most studies on eating and sensory sensitivity in autism show that the texture and consistency of the food are the most common factors behind selective eating. In contrast, colour-based food preferences appear to be relatively rare, although numerous anecdotal reports exist. Foods that are white or colourless may be particularly appealing or tolerable for individuals with sensory hypersensitivity, which can occur in autism or ARFID. Ultimately, in the case of Erik Satie, this paper concludes that his description of a strictly white diet should not be read as an autobiographical account but rather as an ironic take on contemporary symbolist literature, with the famously decadent all-black dinner party in French novelist Joris-Karl Huysmans' À Rebours (1884; also known as Against Nature) as an obvious source of inspiration.

Young Adults with High Autistic-Like Traits Displayed Lower Food Variety and Diet Quality in Childhood

This study explored the association between autistic-like traits in young adults and dietary intake in early childhood in the Gen2 Raine Study cohort. Data were available from 811 participants at years 1, 2 and 3 for the assessment of dietary intake, and at year 20 for measurement of autistic-like traits. Results showed as autistic-like traits increased, total food variety, core food variety and dairy variety decreased (p < 0.05), with a lower consumption of citrus fruits and yoghurt (both p = 0.04). As autistic-like traits increased, diet quality decreased, this trend was significant at 2 years (p = 0.024). Our results suggest that young adults with higher autistic-like traits were more likely to have had lower food variety and diet quality in early childhood.

A Comparative Analysis of Chewing Function and Feeding Behaviors in Children with Autism

The present study was aimed to compare chewing performance level and feeding behaviors of children with autism to their typically developing peers. A total of 56 children (37 children with autism, 19 typically developing children) participated in the study. Feeding-related characteristics and observational oral-motor characteristics of children were recorded. The Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) was used to assess chewing performance level, the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behaviors of children, and the Turkish version of the Feeding/Swallowing Impact Survey (T-FS-IS) was used to evaluate the effect of the child's feeding and swallowing problem on their parents. Results showed that transition time to solid food intake for children with autism was later than typically developing children (p = 0.014), and they had more tongue thrusting (p = 0.009). There were differences between groups in terms of KCPS (p = 0.002), BPFAS (Total frequency score, p = 0.008; Child frequency score, p = 0.017; Parent frequency score, p = 0.021; Restriction score, p = 0.004), and T-FS-IS (Daily activities, p = 0.004; Worry, p = 009; Feeding difficulties, p = 0.031; Total score, p = 0.001). The present study shows that children with autism had worse chewing function and worse mealtime functioning compared to typically developing children. Their parents perceived mealtime behavior as more problematic, and parents' quality of life related to feeding/swallowing disorders was worse compared to parents of typically developing children. The study results reveal the importance of early assessment and intervention of chewing function and feeding behaviors in children with autism.

Mealtime Behaviors and Food Preferences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of social communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors or interests. This study aimed to examine the mealtime behaviors and food preferences of students with ASD. An online questionnaire on mealtime behavior and food preferences of ASD students was conducted by caregivers including parents, and the average age of ASD students was 14.1 ± 6.1. The analysis of mealtime behavior resulted in classification into three clusters: cluster 1, the "low-level problematic mealtime behavior group"; cluster 2, the "mid-level problematic mealtime behavior group"; and cluster 3, the "high-level problematic mealtime behavior group". Cluster 1 included older students than other clusters and their own specific dietary rituals. Meanwhile, cluster 3 included younger students than other clusters, high-level problematic mealtime behavior, and a low preference for food. In particular, there were significant differences in age and food preference for each subdivided ASD group according to their eating behaviors. Therefore, the content and method of nutrition education for ASD students' needs a detailed approach according to the characteristics of each group.

'A blender without the lid on': Mealtime experiences of caregivers with a child with autism spectrum disorder in South Africa

Background

Evidence suggests that caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated feeding difficulties have specific mealtime challenges in the home environment because of the limited interventions that are appropriate and responsive to the needs of the child as well as the family.

Objectives

To describe: (1) common feeding difficulties in children with ASD, (2) mealtime challenges for the caregiver and (3) mealtime strategies used by the caregiver.

Method

Forty caregivers were purposively sampled to participate in the study. Participants were recruited through ASD-specific schools in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants completed an online questionnaire focusing on their mealtime experiences with their child with ASD.

Results

Findings from the data after thematic analysis indicated the multitude of challenges caregivers have when feeding their child with ASD as well as their individualised way of dealing with these difficulties.

Conclusion

The findings emphasised the importance of incorporating the family’s beliefs, values and needs into feeding management and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to intervention. The study also provided information about mealtime strategies that are being used in the home environment to support the child as well as the caregiver. This information can be used to inform management to improve therapeutic outcomes and feeding challenges in the home environment.

The influence of choline treatment on behavioral and neurochemical autistic-like phenotype in Mthfr-deficient mice

Imbalanced one carbon metabolism and aberrant autophagy is robustly reported in patients with autism. Polymorphism in the gene methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (Mthfr), encoding for a key enzyme in this pathway is associated with an increased risk for autistic-spectrum-disorders (ASDs). Autistic-like core and associated behaviors have been described, with contribution of both maternal and offspring Mthfr^+/- genotype to the different domains of behavior. Preconception and prenatal supplementation with methyl donor rich diet to human subjects and mice reduced the risk for developing autism and autistic-like behavior, respectively. Here we tested the potential of choline supplementation to Mthfr-deficient mice at young-adulthood to reduce behavioral and neurochemical changes reminiscent of autism characteristics. We show that offspring of Mthfr^+/- mothers, whether wildtype or heterozygote, exhibit autistic-like behavior, altered brain p62 protein levels and LC3-II/LC3-I levels ratio, both, autophagy markers. Choline supplementation to adult offspring of Mthfr^+/- mothers for 14 days counteracted characteristics related to repetitive behavior and anxiety both in males and in females and improved social behavior solely in male mice. Choline treatment also normalized deviant cortical levels of the autophagy markers measured in male mice. The results demonstrate that choline supplementation even at adulthood, not tested previously, to offspring of Mthfr-deficient mothers, attenuates the autistic-like phenotype. If this proof of concept is replicated it might promote translation of these results to treatment recommendation for children with ASDs bearing similar genetic/metabolic make-up.

Eating and Mealtime Behaviors in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Perspectives

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills and repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Children and adolescents with ASD are more likely to present feeding problems than their typically developing peers are. The present narrative review of literature aims to highlight the most recent evidence about epidemiology and presentations of eating and mealtime behavioral abnormalities in ASD from infancy to adolescence. Abnormalities in breastfeeding and acceptance of complementary foods have been described by most of the studies evaluating ASD early feeding history. Among the various eating and mealtime behaviors identified in ASD children and adolescents, the most common was food selectivity. The present review also provides brief overviews of the various aspects of food that may influence food acceptance by ASD patients and of the correlation between eating problems and ASD core symptoms, as well as with cognitive level, language skills, and family environment. However, studies evaluating eating problems in ASD children and adolescents are very heterogeneous and they show methodological differences. Moreover, the absence of unique definitions of eating and mealtime behaviors in ASD further limits the comparability of studies.

Relationship Between the Performance of Self-Care and Visual Perception Among Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Developing Children

Studies investigating the performance of self-care and visual perception in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are limited. The relationship between self-care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD is not yet clearly understood. Here, self-care performance was evaluated by the caregivers and therapists of children with ASD. The differences in self-care performance and visual perception ability were investigated in 66 children with ASD and 66 typically developing (TD) children between the ages of 48-83 months. The relationships between self-care and visual perception were tested in both two groups. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) and the Chinese version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-C) were used to assess the children's self-care performance. The Test of Visual Perceptual Skills-Third Edition (TVPS-3) and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Third Edition (DTVP-3) were used to evaluate visual perception ability. Young children with ASD obtained significantly lower scores for self-care performance (AMPS and PEDI-C) and visual perception ability (TVPS-3 and DTVP) compared with TD children. Additionally, positive correlations were found between self-care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD. The results provide a valuable contribution to our understanding about self-care and visual perception performance of young children with ASD. The findings of this research highlight the need for pediatric practitioners to include self-care and visual-motor integration evaluations for young children with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Young children with ASD obtained significantly lower scores for self-care performance and visual perception ability compared with TD children. Positive correlations were found between self-care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD. The results provide a valuable contribution to our understanding about self-care and visual perception performance of young children with ASD.

Using Physical Food Transformation to Enhance the Sensory Approval of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders for Consuming Fruits and Vegetables

Introduction: Children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly exhibit aberrant tactile, taste, and smell sensitivity to foods. Food transformation that alters the appearance, texture, and temperature of foods is promising for solving this sensitivity problem. Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of physical transformation of fruits and vegetables (FV) to snacks to enhance ASD children's sensory approval for eating them. Design: This was a quasiexperimental design study. It lasted for 4 weeks with three episodes of FV exposure to the ASD children per week. The original condition was conducted in the first and fourth week, while intervention was performed in the second and third week. Settings: Food exposure took place in schools in a quiet room. Subjects: This study recruited 56 ASD children. Intervention: Food transformation constituted changing bananas into ice-cream, zucchinis and sweet potatoes into chips, apples and kiwis into popsicles, and carrots into juice. Outcome Measures: FV acceptance and habitual consumption were measured at baseline and postintervention. Results: ASD children increased their consumption of all FV, but only banana consumption was statistically significant from 55.3 to 78.0 g (p < 0.05). For habitual consumption, parents reported increases in all FV consumption for all three measured fruits and 2 of 3 measures of vegetables (pre vs. post mean for bananas: 2.4 vs. 2.9, apples 2.6 vs. 3.2, kiwis 2.4 vs. 2.9, zucchinis 1.9 vs. 2.5, and sweet potatoes 1.8 vs. 2.4; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Physical changes of foods may improve impaired sensory processing of ASD children to promote their FV acceptance. Project Code: RG 55/2019-2020R.

Impact of Sensory Processing on School Performance Outcomes in High Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Difficulty processing sensory information may impede progress in school for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We explore the relationship between sensory processing and school performance in 26 high-functioning youths with ASD and 26 controls (age 8-14) using measures of sensory, social, cognitive, and academic functioning. In the ASD group, bivariate Pearson correlations indicated a significant positive relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and the School Competence Scale (SCS) of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and a significant negative relationship between Dunn's Sensory Processing Framework and SCS scores. Final hierarchical multiple linear regression model accounting for SCS scores in ASD included IQ, ADHD symptoms, and sensory features. An interaction between increased sensory sensitivity with reduced sensory avoidance behaviors explained the greatest amount of variance in SCS, meaning school performance is lowest for children with greater hypersensitivity and fewer avoidance behaviors. Results indicate a strong impact of sensory processing on school performance in ASD.

An Exploration into Mothers' Experiences of Feeding Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in South Africa

OBJECTIVES

To explore the experiences of mothers feeding their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Africa as well as to better understand the impact of context and culture on feeding disorders.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A qualitative research design was employed. Seven mothers of 8 children (1 mother had twins), aged 4-9 years, who were diagnosed with ASD and who had associated feeding difficulties participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that children with ASD and feeding difficulties increase parental stress and anxiety. Novel findings pertaining to context and culture showed the negative impact feeding difficulties have on the siblings, the role taken on by the mother as the caregiver and the provider, and an additional financial burden associated with feeding a child with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings add to the field of speech therapy by providing awareness of the challenges experienced by these mothers as well as those that are unique to the South African context. In addition, the current study provides insight into the experiences of mothers from different contexts and cultural backgrounds to those reported in previous literature.