Feeding Patterns of Autistic Children

Pediatrics published research on young children with autism and their feeding habits. Questionnaire data was compiled on 79 children with autism at 6, 15, 24, 38 and 54 months of age. Results indicated the following for the children with autism compared to control group:

• late introduction of solids after 6 months with slow feeding characteristics
• children were reported to be “very choosy” and “difficult to feed” from 15-54 months
• at 15 months their diet was less varied
• at 24 months they were more likely to eat different meals than their mothers
• 8% at 54 months had a special “allergy” diet
• overall ate less vegetables, salad, fresh fruit and fizzy drinks
• at 38 months consumption of Vitamins C and D were less
• no differences were seen in body mass index, weight or height at 18 months or 7 years
• no differences in energy intake or growth

Reference: Emond, Alan, Emmett, Pauline, Steer, Colin, Golding, Jean
Feeding Symptoms, Dietary Patterns, and Growth in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Pediatrics 2010 126: e337-e342