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[Self-administered gastric tube nutrition in a child with infantile autism]
1Københavns Amts Sygehus i Glostrup, børnepsykiatrisk afdeling.
Insights
A 15-year-old boy with infantile autism self-administered gastric tube feeding due to an inability to eat normally. This case highlights unique challenges in managing feeding disorders in autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Background:
- Feeding difficulties are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Self-administration of medical devices can occur in individuals with developmental disorders.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male with infantile autism presented with a history of refusing to eat or drink normally since age eight.
- The patient independently managed his gastric tube for nutritional support.
Findings:
- The patient's condition did not meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa.
- The case explores potential etiological factors and educational/psychological approaches to the compulsive feeding behavior.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of individualized feeding strategies in pediatric autism.
- Understanding self-management of medical devices in ASD is crucial for care planning.
- Further research into the psychological and educational management of feeding disorders in autism is warranted.
Abstract:
An example of self-administered gastric tube nutrition in a boy aged 15 years with infantile autism is presented. The boy would neither eat nor drink in the normal manner since the age of eight years and has gradually administered tube-feeding himself. This patient does not fulfill the international criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. A possible etiological factor and the education/psychological attitudes to the compulsive symptom are discussed.