Dietary Behavior of Autistic Children

Objectives: This study aimed to obtain information about the dietary pattern and feeding problems of autistic children in Mumbai. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted on autistic children from various special schools in Mumbai. Fifty autistic and fifty age and gender matched typically developing (TD) children were selected for the study. The age group of children was 5-15 years. General information, details about their eating behavior and food habits of the children was collected from parents using a questionnaire. Results and Conclusion: Frequent gastrointestinal problems were reported in 30% autistic versus 18% typically developing children. Significantly lesser number of autistic children tried out new foods as compared to typically developing children (χ2= 11.413, p= 0.003). Problematic meal time behaviors were seen in 70% of autistic and only in 26% of typically developing children. Playing while eating, swallowing food without chewing and not sitting in one place while eating were the most frequently reported meal-time behaviors in autistic children. Autistic children had a higher intake of beverages and snacks. They also consumed fewer fruits and vegetables per week compared to typically developing children. Nutritional interventions for children with ASD should be based on their preferences, appetite, feeding problems, etc.