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Eating and Sleep Disturbances in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Turkey: A Systematic Review
1Department of Child Development, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey. mehmetgeyik@ankara.edu.tr.
Purpose:
This study aims to systematically analyze the general trends, methodological frameworks, and core findings of graduate-level theses focusing on eating and sleep disturbances among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Türkiye. It specifically investigates the distribution of academic disciplines, chronological growth, and prevalent research themes within this field.
Methods:
A comprehensive review was conducted using the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) National Thesis Center database. A total of 42 eligible theses (30 Master's, 10 Medical Specialization, and 2 Doctoral) published between 2012 and 2025 were selected based on inclusion criteria and analyzed through descriptive parameters.
Results:
Findings reveal a significant surge in academic interest between 2019 and 2025, accounting for 81% of the total output. Nutrition and Dietetics (45.2%) emerged as the leading discipline, followed by Psychiatry (19.0%). While 64.3% of the studies focused on feeding issues, 21.4% addressed sleep disturbances. Methodologically, the literature is dominated by quantitative designs (97.6%), with food selectivity (66%) and sleep disruptions (65%) identified as highly prevalent issues linked to sensory sensitivities, gastrointestinal distress, and parental stress.
Conclusion:
Although research in Türkiye is expanding, there is a notable scarcity of qualitative designs and doctoral-level inquiries. The findings underscore an urgent need for multidisciplinary strategies and more in-depth, longitudinal research to better understand and manage the complex physiological and behavioral challenges associated with ASD.
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