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Relationship Between Food Selectivity, Adaptive Functioning and Behavioral Profile in Individuals with Autism
Rachele Sarnataro1, Martina Siracusano1,2, Roberta Campanile1
1Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and food selectivity (FS) show lower adaptive skills and more behavioral issues compared to those without FS. Early identification of these patterns is crucial for understanding ASD and eating habits.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Atypical eating habits, particularly food selectivity (FS), are common in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from infancy.
- Food selectivity, characterized by limited food variety and resistance to new foods, is a frequent feeding disorder in ASD.
- Understanding the link between FS and behavioral profiles in ASD is critical for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare adaptive functioning and behavioral profiles of children with ASD with and without food selectivity (FS).
- To identify differences in cognitive abilities, autism symptom severity, and age between FS and NFS groups.
- To explore the impact of multiple types of food selectivity on the clinical profile.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 286 children diagnosed with ASD.
- Categorization into a food selectivity (FS) group (43.3%) and a no food selectivity (NFS) group (56.6%).
- Analysis of adaptive skills, behavioral problems, cognition, autism symptoms, and age.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in cognition, autism symptom levels, or age between FS and NFS groups.
- Children with ASD and FS exhibited significantly lower adaptive skills and increased behavioral problems compared to the NFS group.
- A more severe clinical profile was observed in children with multiple types of food selectivity.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and ongoing assessment of clinical and behavioral patterns in children with ASD and FS are essential.
- This research enhances understanding of the relationship between autism symptoms and atypical eating behaviors.
- Findings support targeted interventions for children with ASD experiencing food selectivity.
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