Idiosyncratic food preferences of children with autism spectrum disorder in England

Abstract

To obtain a better understanding of feeding difficulties experienced by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methodology: Parents/caregivers (n = 325) of children (3-16 years) diagnosed with ASD living in England participated in an online questionnaire investigating early feeding history, food preferences and mealtime environment. Results: The most common feeding problem was the transition from weaning foods to textured food. Food appearance mainly determined food acceptance with over half the children (n = 152) being specific about the colour of their food. Nearly 65% (n = 191) were particular about food presentation, including specific brands and food packaging. Sensory attributes and texture of food affected food acceptance. There were clear preferences for crunchy or dry foods, followed by food with a smooth consistency. Nearly 80% (n = 223) repeatedly chose the same foods from a limited range. For specific food groups, the clear favourite among the study population was refined carbohydrates (64.4%, n = 186). A large proportion of children had tactile sensitivity, where 60% (n = 176) disliked having their hands/face dirty. Over 70% (n = 205) of children disliked strong odours, indicating the importance of the sensory attributes to food and the mealtime environment. Less than 40% (n = 108) of children were seen by a dietitian and the most common concern was the limited variety of foods and dietary intake. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for nutritional monitoring and intervention where long-term idiosyncratic feeding behaviour may contribute to nutritional deficiencies.

Feeding problems, age of introduction of complementary food and autism symptom in children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Compared to children showing TD, those with ASD were introduced to CFs later, inconsistent with the report of Huxham et al (15) showing that the mean age of introduction of CFs was earlier at 5 months in children with ASD. This difference may be due to the different definitions of CFs between the reports.…”

“…Formula milk was not included as CFs in our study (16). Huxham et al (15) examined infants who were exclusively breastfed and included formula in the definition of CFs. Their study showed that 38.8% subjects with ASD struggled to ingest spoon-fed pureed foods and 55.6% had difficulties with lumpy foods consistent with our findings.…”

Exploration of Relationships among Clinical Gastrointestinal Indicators and Social and Sensory Symptom Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Study findings suggest a possible spiraling relationship among ASD symptom severity and a child’s diet that may, via the gut microbiome, have the potential to worsen social and sensory symptom severity. High food selectivity and preference for refined foods are common in children with ASD [ 44 , 45 ]. Sensory impairments in ASD can cause children to choose foods that accommodate sensory sensitivities, thus contributing to observable food selectivity and preference behaviors.…”

Autistic children and adolescents and their parents: being and having meals together

“…The sensory physiology of the autistic person is described scientifically as atypical and associated with food refusals and preferences (consistency, temperature, colors) and untoward behaviors at mealtimes [16,17]. These elements seemed to be present at the picnic, as well as the unique experiences that go beyond eating-nourishing.…”