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Feeding Problems and Maternal Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kimberly Zlomke1, Kristina Rossetti2, Jillian Murphy1
1Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, 307 University Blvd North, UCOM 1000, Mobile, AL, 36686, USA.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|June 30, 2020
Summary
Maternal anxiety and feeding strategies significantly impact children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during mealtimes. Addressing parental behaviors is crucial for effective intervention in ASD feeding challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Feeding Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Maternal Mental Health
Background:
- Mealtimes are often stressful for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with up to 90% experiencing food selectivity and disruptive mealtime behaviors.
- Parental behaviors are linked to persistent maladaptive feeding behaviors in children with ASD.
- Maternal anxiety and negative feelings correlate with children's feeding problems, yet research often overlooks parental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal anxiety, feeding strategies, and child feeding behaviors in children with ASD.
- To explore the role of maternal feelings and strategies in the context of feeding difficulties experienced by children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving sixty-four mothers of children aged 2-8 with ASD.
- Data collected using the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
- Analysis focused on correlations between child feeding behavior, maternal anxiety (state and trait), and parent feeding strategies.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of mothers reported clinical feeding difficulties in their children.
- Significant associations were found between child feeding behaviors and maternal feelings/strategies.
- Maternal anxiety and maladaptive feeding strategies were significant predictors of child feeding problems, with strategies being the strongest predictor.
Conclusions:
- Maternal anxiety and maladaptive feeding strategies are correlated with problematic feeding behaviors in children with ASD.
- Parental feelings and strategies appear to contribute to the development and maintenance of feeding issues in children with ASD.
- Interventions for feeding problems in children with ASD should consider addressing maternal behaviors and psychological factors.
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