Sensory processing and eating behaviours in autism: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Sensory processing differences are increasingly recognized in various populations.
• Eating behaviors are complex and can be influenced by multiple factors, including sensory input.
• Understanding the interplay between sensory processing and eating is crucial for addressing feeding difficulties and eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the relationship between sensory processing and eating behaviors.
• To explore this relationship across different developmental stages.
• To identify implications for interventions and future research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of five electronic databases for quantitative studies.
• Inclusion of published and unpublished research.
• Risk of bias assessment and synthesis of findings based on eating outcomes.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence links sensory processing to a range of eating behaviors across 25 studies.
• Early evidence highlights the role of taste/smell sensitivities and hypersensitivities.
• Tentative evidence suggests the relationship extends across development.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the connection between sensory processing and eating behaviors, with implications for interventions.
• Further research is needed to explore diverse sensory patterns, modalities, and clearly defined eating behaviors, especially in clinical populations like autism.
• Addressing multi-sensory issues is key for a comprehensive understanding.