Nutritional Problems in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Narrative Review

This review aims to provide a synthesized overview of dietary patterns and nutrition-related problems in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The review focuses on studies addressing eating behaviors, nutritional difficulties, and intervention approaches in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and Down syndrome. Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published after 2010. Selection criteria included peer-reviewed studies examining sensory, behavioral, physiological, and environmental factors affecting dietary patterns.

The reviewed studies indicate that individuals with ASD frequently exhibit food selectivity and sensory sensitivities that limit dietary variety. In ADHD, impulsive eating behaviors and irregular dietary patterns are associated with an increased risk of obesity. Individuals with intellectual disabilities often experience poor diet quality, swallowing difficulties, and micronutrient deficiencies, frequently influenced by environmental and caregiver-related factors. In Down syndrome, both feeding difficulties and an elevated risk of obesity are observed, influenced by genetic and metabolic characteristics. Nutritional problems in neurodevelopmental disorders are multifactorial, involving biological, behavioral, sensory, cognitive, and environmental influences. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and the implementation of individualized, multidisciplinary intervention strategies, including active family involvement. Further research using more standardized and methodologically rigorous approaches is needed to strengthen the evidence base.