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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
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Sensory Differences and Mealtime Behavior in Children With Autism
Jeanne Zobel-Lachiusa1, Mary V Andrianopoulos2, Zoe Mailloux3
1Jeanne Zobel-Lachiusa, EdD, MA, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, BayPath University, Longmeadow, MA; jzobel@baypath.edu.
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show significant sensory differences and eating behaviors compared to typically developing peers. These sensory issues correlate with eating difficulties, impacting mealtimes for children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Sensory Processing
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
- Children with ASD often exhibit feeding challenges, which can be influenced by sensory processing differences.
- Understanding the interplay between sensory issues and eating behaviors is crucial for supporting these children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sensory differences and mealtime behaviors in children with ASD.
- To compare these behaviors with typically developing (TD) peers.
- To explore the correlation between sensory differences and eating difficulties in children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized parent-report and child-report questionnaires.
- Compared sensory differences and eating behaviors between 34 children with ASD and 34 TD children.
- Analyzed data for significant differences and correlations.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD demonstrated significantly different sensory differences and eating behaviors compared to TD peers.
- A notable correlation was found between sensory differences and eating difficulties in children with ASD.
- Parent and child reports highlighted these distinctions.
Conclusions:
- Sensory differences significantly impact mealtime behaviors and eating difficulties in children with ASD.
- Occupational therapy interventions focusing on sensory strategies may improve mealtimes for children with ASD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the influence of sensory processing on feeding behaviors in ASD.
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