Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
17.0K
Association between feeding/mealtime behavior problems and internalizing/externalizing problems in autism spectrum
Francesco Craig1, Andrea DE Giacomo2, Francesca F Operto2
1Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Brindisi, Italy.
Minerva Pediatrics
|February 15, 2019
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience more feeding and mealtime behavior issues, such as food refusal and limited food variety, compared to other neurodevelopmental disorders and typically developing children. Routine screening is recommended to address potential dietary problems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with unique challenges.
- Feeding and mealtime behaviors are critical aspects of child development.
- Understanding these behaviors in ASD is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare feeding and mealtime behavior problems in children with ASD versus other neurodevelopmental disorders (NNDs) and typically developing (TD) children.
- To investigate the influence of intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional/behavioral issues on these problems in ASD.
- To identify specific feeding challenges faced by children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized validated assessments including the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), and Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS).
- Compared feeding and mealtime behaviors across three groups: ASD, NNDs, and TD children.
- Analyzed the correlation between IQ, emotional/behavioral problems, and feeding issues in the ASD cohort.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD exhibited significantly more feeding problems, including food refusal and limited food variety, compared to NND and TD groups.
- The ASD group demonstrated increased mealtime behavior problems and challenges with parent behaviors during meals compared to the TD group.
- Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children with ASD were linked to increased parental frustration during mealtimes.
Conclusions:
- Feeding and mealtime behavior problems are prevalent in children with ASD.
- Routine screening for these issues in ASD is essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Early identification and intervention can mitigate negative impacts on dietary intake and family well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
1.1K
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.1K
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
1.6K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
1.6K
02:18Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
19.4K
Intrinsically disordered proteins are a group of proteins that do not fold into specific three-dimensional structures. Their structural flexibility allows them to complement ordered proteins to perform functions that are inaccessible to rigid structures. They are more common in eukaryotes than prokaryotes and may either be exclusively intrinsically disordered or hybrid proteins, consisting of a mix of ordered and disordered regions. The absence of a rigid structure in these proteins can be...
19.4K
01:12Internal and External Forces
16.2K
Newton's first law states that a net external force causes a change in motion. External forces act on an object or system, originating outside of the object or system. In contrast, internal forces originate inside the system of interest and do not lead to any acceleration. In simpler words, internal forces are forces that act on one part of an object and are exerted by another part of the same object. External forces are forces that act on an object due to some other object. Therefore, when...
16.2K
01:24External and Internal Respiration
7.5K
External respiration occurs in the lungs, and it is the first step in the journey of oxygen inside the body. When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and diffuses across the thin alveolar membrane. The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs that provide a vast surface area for gas exchange. Oxygen in the alveoli has a higher partial pressure (105 mmHg) than in the adjacent pulmonary capillaries (40 mmHg), establishing a pressure gradient. As a result, oxygen molecules move from the alveoli into the...
7.5K
01:29Bone Disorders
5.3K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.3K