Young Adults with High Autistic-Like Traits Displayed Lower Food Variety and Diet Quality in Childhood (original) (raw)
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Do early-life eating habits predict later autistic traits? Results from a population-based study
Appetite, 2021
Eating problems are common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it is unknown to what extent infant eating behavior is associated with later autistic traits. As eating behavior is currently not included in ASD screening instruments, it is important to evaluate whether infant eating behavior predicts later autistic traits and might therefore be used to enhance the early detection of ASD. We investigated the association of breastfeeding and eating behavior during infancy with later autistic traits in the population-based Generation R cohort. We included 3546 mother-child dyads with maternal reports on feeding and eating at age two months and autistic traits at six years. Eating behavior was assessed with seven items on specific eating habits and the Social Responsiveness Scale was used to evaluate autistic traits. Covariates included child sex, and maternal psychopathology and autistic traits. Linear regression analyses showed that being formula fed at two months was associated with a higher autistic trait score at six years (adjusted B = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.00-0.14). Children who were drinking only small quantities (adjusted B = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04-0.30) and were hungry/not satisfied (adjusted B = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.39) at age two months also had a higher autistic traits score at age six years. We found no interactions with sex or breastfeeding. This study shows that eating behavior during infancy is related with autistic traits in childhood. Although the associations were fairly small, these findings suggest that early-life eating problems might be relevant for early detection of ASD and a potential addition to ASD-specific screening instruments.
Eating habits and dietary patterns in children with autism
Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 2014
The children with autism have feeding problems such as chewing, preference for the same food that often are responsible for the nutrient imbalance. In this study, we have analyzed the differences in food consumption (food frequency) and eating behavior (CEBI test) between children with autism and their typically developing peers. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups for the consumption of milk, yogurt, pulses, rice, and fruit juices (p B 0,005). We observed a significant difference in the analysis of CEBI results when considering the 6-to 9.5-year-aged subgroup with autism vs control subgroup (103.50 and 110.14, respectively). The advices given by nutritionists have proved crucial to improve eating habits in children with autism, in the follow-up.
Advanceson Eating Behaviors in Children with Autistic Trait
IJASS JOURNAL, 2023
The objective of this study is review existing literatureconcerning the possible association between autistictrait and eating behaviors in children. We found that autistic trait at early age predicted the diet quality in later, and eating behaviors at early age predicted the autistic trait in later. Combining the content of existing research, possible future research directions are discussed.
Dietary patterns and body mass index in children with autism and typically developing children
2011
To determine whether dietary patterns (juice and sweetened non-dairy beverages, fruits, vegetables, fruits & vegetables, snack foods, and kid's meals) and associations between dietary patterns and body mass index (BMI) differed between 53 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 58 typically developing children, ages 3 to 11, multivariate regression models including interaction terms were used. Children with ASD were found to consume significantly more daily servings of sweetened beverages (2.6 versus 1.7, p=0.03) and snack foods (4.0 versus 3.0, p=0.01) and significantly fewer daily servings of fruits and vegetables (3.1 versus 4.4, p=0.006) than typically developing children. There was no evidence of statistical interaction between any of the dietary patterns and BMI z-score with autism status. Among all children, fruits and vegetables (p=0.004) and fruits alone (p=0.005) were positively associated with BMI z-score in our multivariate models. Children with ASD consume more energy-dense foods than typically developing children; however, in our sample, only fruits and vegetables were positively associated with BMI z-score.
Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Typically Developing Children
The Journal of Pediatrics, 2010
Objectives-To define food selectivity and compare indices of food selectivity among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and typically developing children, and to assess the impact of food selectivity on nutrient adequacy. Study design-Food selectivity was operationalized to include food refusal, limited food repertoire, and high frequency single food intake using a modified food frequency questionnaire and 3-day food record. Food selectivity was compared between 53 children with ASDs and 58 typically developing children ages 3-11 years. Nutrient adequacy was assessed relative to the Dietary Reference Intakes. Results-Children with ASDs exhibited more food refusal than typically developing children (41.7% vs. 18.9% of foods offered, p < 0.0001). A more limited food repertoire was reported for children with ASDs than typically developing children (19.0 vs. 22.5 foods, p < 0.001). Only four children with ASDs and one typically developing child were reported to demonstrate high frequency
Eating Behaviors of Children with Autism—Pilot Study
Nutrients
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most recognized neuropsychiatric disorder of childhood. Comorbid conditions (such as feeding disorders) are more common among people with autism than among the general population. The most frequent somatic disorders in autistic children include the gastrointestinal disorders observed in 46–91% of patients. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the nutrition of children with autism, with particular emphasis placed on feeding in the first year of life, in comparison to the group of healthy peers. Participants included 75 Caucasian children (41 children diagnosed with pure autism, and the control group consisting of 34 children without autistic traits). The analysis was performed based on a questionnaire of own design with the first part devoted to the eating practices of the early infancy. Results: Autistic children, as compared to the healthy peers, presented a shortened time of breastfeeding (the children fell asleep at the breast) (p ...
2019
Eating problems may emerge during early childhood. If the eating problem is not physiological-oriented, child's relationship with its primary environment may be effective in this problem. For this reason, the aim of this study was to examine the eating habits of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typical development (TD) with regards to the variables like child’s age, parental age, and presence of siblings. Parents of a total of 180 children (90 with ASD and 90 with TD), who are enrolled in preschools, special education centers, and rehabilitation centers in Ankara-TURKEY, participated in the study. The Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behavior in Children (BAMBIC) and The Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) were used to identify children’s eating habits. In addition, a personal information form was used to gather demographic information of the participants. The data obtained from 180 parents were analyzed with the help of relevant statistical programs. Acc...
Diet: the keystone of autism spectrum disorder?
Nutritional Neuroscience, 2018
Children with autism are characterized by an impairment of social interaction and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Autism is a heterogeneous span of disorders with unknown aetiology. Research has grown significantly and has suggested that environmental risk factors acting during the prenatal period could influence the neurodevelopment of offspring. The literature suggests that the maternal diet during pregnancy has a fundamental role in the etiopathogenesis of autism. Indeed, a maternal diet that is high in some nutrients has been associated with an increase or reduction in the risk of develop Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The diet of ASD children is also a key factor for the worsening of ASD symptoms. Children with autism have food selectivity and limited diets due to smell, taste, or other characteristics of foods. This determines eating routines and food intake patterns, with consequent deficiency or excess of some aliments. Several studies have tried to show a possible relationship between nutritional status and autism. In this review we describe, emphasizing the limits and benefits, the main current empirical studies that have examined the role of maternal diet during gestation and diet of ASD children as modifiable risk factors at the base of development or worsening of symptoms of autism
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2021
ObjectiveTo evaluate body composition, nutritional status through food selectivity and degree of inadequate intake, and mealtime behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical children.MethodA cross‐sectional case–control study was carried out in 144 children (N = 55 with ASD; N = 91 with neurotypical children) between 6 and 18 years of age. Body composition, nutritional intake, food consumption frequency (FFQ), and mealtime behavior were evaluated.ResultsResults showed a greater presence of children with a low weight (18.4% ASD vs. 3.20% comparison group) and obesity (16.3% ASD vs. 8.6% comparison group) in the ASD group for body mass index (BMI) categories (p = .003; number needed to take [NNT] = 8.07). The presence of obesity in ASD children compared to the comparison group was even higher when considering the fat component (47.5% ASD vs. 19.4% comparison group, p = .002; NNT = 10.3). ASD children had greater intake inadequacy (50% ASD vs. 22% c...
Food Selectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Journal of Child Neurology, 2013
Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by difficulties with reciprocal social interactions and restricted patterns of behavior and interest; one of these characteristic behaviors is food selectivity. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature published between 1970 and 2013 concerning this eating behavior. The articles identified were analyzed in terms of sample size, study design, and criteria for assessment and intervention, as well as the results, level of evidence and grade of recommendation. The main search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, Scielo, ScienceDirect, and Embase). There is empirical evidence and an overall scientific consensus supporting an association between food selectivity and autism spectrum disorders.