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Updated: Sep 9, 2025

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A Treatment Package without Escape Extinction to Address Food Selectivity
Published on: August 21, 2015
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Food selectivity and autism: A systematic review
Rosaria Ferrara1, Leonardo Iovino2, Lidia Ricci3
1Department of Anatomy, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedics Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Lazio, Italy. rosaria.ferrara@uniroma1.it.
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
|August 29, 2025
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show significant food selectivity. Dietary recommendations include increasing fruits, vegetables, and yogurt while decreasing rice and pasta intake.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with complex origins.
- Food selectivity is a common challenge in children with ASD, ranging in severity.
- Feeding issues in ASD can lead to malnutrition or overeating.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive literature review on food selectivity in children with ASD.
- To explore the frequency, nature, and contributing factors of food selectivity in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO (2014-2024).
- Inclusion criteria: studies on ASD diagnosis and food selectivity.
- Databases selected for broad scientific coverage and high-quality articles.
Main Results:
- Initial search yielded 222 studies; 9 were included after filtering.
- Five articles discussed the general nature and factors of food selectivity.
- Two studies focused on sensory sensitivities (texture, taste, smell); two on problem behaviors during meals.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASD exhibit greater food selectivity compared to neurotypical children.
- Dietary interventions should emphasize fruits, vegetables, and yogurt.
- Reducing intake of rice and pasta is suggested for children with ASD.
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