Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism
06:15

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism

Published on: October 3, 2018

8.0K

Factors associated with autism severity among Malaysian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Shiang Yen Eow1, Wan Ying Gan1, Poh Ying Lim2

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|March 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Malaysia show high severity. Father's employment and perceived child weight are linked to autism severity, highlighting the need for tailored parental guidelines.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents diverse behaviors and characteristics across severity levels in children.
  • Limited nutrition-specific research exists for Malaysian children with ASD, particularly concerning varying severity.
  • Understanding factors associated with autism severity is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between sociodemographic, parental, and lifestyle factors and autism severity in children.
  • To identify predictors of autism severity in a Malaysian cohort.
  • To inform the development of support strategies for families affected by ASD.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 224 children diagnosed with ASD.
  • Mothers completed questionnaires covering sociodemographics, autism severity, parenting styles, feeding practices, stress, sleep, and eating behaviors.
  • Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify significant predictors.

Main Results:

  • A significant majority (78.1%) of children with ASD exhibited high symptom severity.
  • Father's employment status was a significant predictor of autism severity (B=6.970, p<0.001).
  • Perceived child weight also predicted autism severity (B=3.338, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a high prevalence of severe autism symptoms among Malaysian children with ASD.
  • Recommends regular anthropometric assessments by healthcare professionals at intervention centers.
  • Emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to create customized guidelines for parents of autistic children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism severityChild eating behaviourChildren with ASDFeeding practicesParenting stylesSleep habits

More Related Videos

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.9K
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice07:38

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice

Published on: September 20, 2024

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

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.
826
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
659
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
330
Social Anxiety Disorder01:28

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
331
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
400
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
398