Food Selectivity and Nutritional Conduct in Children with ASD: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by difficulty in social interaction, in addition to affecting the development of language and communication. Food selectivity is one of the outstanding characteristics in this group, generating significant nutritional deficiencies in children and adolescents with ASD. The objective of this integrative review was to verify, through the available literature, aspects related to the eating behavior and health of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Developed in was developed in six steps: 1. elaboration of the research question, 2. definition of the sources of selection of primary studies and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3. definition and extraction of data, 4. evaluation of the included studies, 5 • critical analysis of the results, 6. presentation of the synthesis of the evidence found. According to the results presented, about eating problems, it was evidenced that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are more prone to the development of food selectivity and micronutrient deficiency than children with typical development. In addition to requiring greater involvement and frequency of their parents/caregivers concerning their peers during meals. As is evident the presence of risky eating practices within this group, occurring more frequently among children with ASD than among neurotypical children. Thus, it is suggested the production of more studies on the subject and the development of public policies that cover this group.