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Physical Status and Feeding Behavior of Children with Autism

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The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To assess the physical status and feeding behavior among children with autism.

Methods

Twenty three autistic children aged 5–16 y enrolled in Sharjah Autism Center were studied. A questionnaire was administered to the parents of these children. Demographic information; gastrointestinal symptoms; mealtime behavior through Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behavior Inventory, Food Preference Inventory; and nutrient intake through a 3 day food record were collected. Physical status was determined in terms of height, weight and body mass index.

Results

Male–female ratio of autism in the sample was 3.6:1. Twelve children were obese and another 5 were overweight. Mealtime behavior revealed that 69.6 % of the children never/rarely cried/screamed during mealtimes, turned their face or body away from food (52 %), or expelled food (61 %) that he/she has eaten. Food Preference Inventory showed food refusal of 59.1 ± 20.6 % for combined food groups in autistic children. Specifically, higher preference was found for starches (55.8 %) and least for protein (32.6 %). A 3 day food record revealed that their diets were repetitive with limited variety and evidence of nutrient inadequacy.

Conclusions

Comparatively higher enrolment of males with autism was found and three-fourth of the total children had difficulty in maintaining normal weight. Mealtime behavior concerns were displayed occasionally including rigidity in mealtime routines, unwillingness to try new foods and not being able to be seated until the meal was finished. High rates of food rejection, notably protein and limited variety resulting into nutrient inadequacy were evident.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Sharjah Autism Center- Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah for providing them with a good environment and facilities to implement this study; Dr. Ashraf Zaghloul, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah for his guidance in the statistical analysis. The authors extend their appreciation to Souheir Alia, Busra Al-Hasouni, Rawan Al Ali, Shamma Alkitbi and Eman Alwawi for their contribution in implementation of the study.

Contributions

AA: Coordinator of the study, contributed in conceiving the research problem design and implementation, data analysis, manuscript writing, critical revision and quality assurance; HK: Assisted in data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing; MH: Contributed in the study design, technical or material support, critical revision of the manuscript, field visits follow-up; RSO: Involved in the study concept and design, responsibility for the integrity of the data and accuracy of the data analyses, critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. Professor Bassamat O. Ahmed, Dean, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, will act as guarantor for this paper.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Source of Funding

The facilities in the College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah as well as Sharjah Autism Center- Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah were utilized to carry out the research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, PO Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Amita Attlee, Hanin Kassem, Mona Hashim & Reyad Shaker Obaid

Authors
  1. Amita Attlee
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  2. Hanin Kassem
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  3. Mona Hashim
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  4. Reyad Shaker Obaid
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Correspondence to Amita Attlee.

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Attlee, A., Kassem, H., Hashim, M. et al. Physical Status and Feeding Behavior of Children with Autism. Indian J Pediatr 82, 682–687 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-015-1696-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-015-1696-4

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