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Feeding difficulties in Asian children with autism spectrum disorder
Ying Qi Kang1, Charmaine Min Teo2, Michelle Ln Tan3
1Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Insights
Hyperactivity and authoritarian feeding styles are linked to feeding difficulties in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early screening for feeding problems is recommended for children with ASD exhibiting hyperactivity and those with authoritarian caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Feeding difficulties are prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Understanding predictors of feeding issues is crucial for early intervention.
- This study focuses on Asian young children diagnosed with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize feeding difficulties in Asian young children with ASD.
- To identify predictors of severe feeding problems in this population.
- To explore the relationship between feeding behaviors, caregiver styles, and ASD characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 67 children aged 1-7 years with ASD.
- Parent-completed questionnaires assessed feeding behaviors, aberrant behaviors, and feeding styles.
- Retrospective review of electronic medical records provided developmental and medical data.
Main Results:
- 28.4% of children with ASD experienced feeding difficulties.
- Authoritarian feeding styles and hyperactivity (Aberrant Behavior Checklist) were significantly associated with feeding difficulty severity.
- Hyperactivity remained a significant predictor even after controlling for other behavioral factors.
Conclusions:
- Hyperactivity and authoritarian feeding styles are associated with increased feeding difficulties in children with ASD.
- Children with ASD exhibiting hyperactivity and those with authoritarian caregivers warrant active screening for feeding problems.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering behavioral and environmental factors in managing feeding issues in ASD.
Background:
To characterize the nature and severity of feeding difficulties in Asian young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and identify potential predictors of poorer feeding outcomes.
Methods:
Cross sectional study of children aged 1-7 years with ASD. Parents completed the following: demographic information, brief autism mealtime behavior inventory, aberrant behavior checklist (ABC), behavioral pediatrics feeding assessment scale (BPFAS) and caregiver feeding style questionnaire. Additional information (medical data, cognitive and developmental assessment results, e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition, Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised, Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, etc.) were subsequently obtained from electronic medical records retrospectively by one of the study team members.
Results:
Of the 67 children, 28.4% had feeding difficulties (high BPFAS total frequency score). Caregiver feeding styles were authoritarian (34.8%) or indulgent (39.4%). Child characteristics did not significantly predict for the severity of feeding difficulties. Univariate analysis revealed that authoritarian feeding style (p = 0.001) and ABC hyperactivity score (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with BPFAS severity score. Multivariate analysis revealed that ABC hyperactivity score remained significantly associated with BPFAS severity score after controlling for all other ABC subscale scores. A final regression model including all child characteristics and ABC scores did not reveal any significant predictors of BPFAS total frequency score (R2 = 0.557).
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest an association between hyperactivity, authoritarian feeding style and feeding difficulties. Children with ASD who have significant hyperactivity behaviors in the context of parents with an authoritarian feeding style should be actively screened for problematic feeding behaviors.
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