Sensory Differences and Mealtime Behavior in Children With Autism

Abstract

This study examined sensory differences and mealtime behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n 5 34) and compared the results with those of similarly aged peers who were typically developing (TD; n 5 34). Results from parent-report and child-report questionnaires indicated that children with ASD scored significantly differently from TD peers on the measures of sensory differences and eating behaviors. Data also supported a correlation between sensory differences and eating difficulties in children with ASD. The results of this study will help caregivers and their children with ASD identify problem eating behaviors that may be associated with sensory differences. Sensory strategies and techniques offered by occupational therapy practitioners may contribute to greater success during mealtimes for children with ASD and their families, with increased comfort and less stress. The findings also support a need to further explore the influence of sensory differences on mealtime behaviors.

Sensory Sensitivity and Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…ASD poses a major health and educational challenge for parents and caretakers as it affects many aspects of daily living. Feeding and mealtimes are especially challenging for these children and their caretakers (Curtin et al 2015; Zobel-Lachiusa et al 2015). Parents and clinicians frequently report that children with ASD are overly selective in their eating patterns; they consume less varied diets with very few fruits and vegetables (Ahearn et al 2001; Bandini et al 2010; Cermak et al 2010; Emond et al 2010; Johnson et al 2008; Ledford & Gast 2006; Marí-Bauset et al 2014; Martins et al 2008; Ranjan & Nasser 2015; Schreck et al 2004; Sharp et al 2013; Zimmer et al 2012).…”

Narratives of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders: focus on eating behavior

“…3,6 The mothers' narratives reflect these difficulties that are intrinsic to ASD; however, they also indicate that these characteristics may not be determinant when adequate environmental stimulus successfully results in the introduction of new eating habits.…”

“…3 Furthermore, sensory factors such as smell, texture, color and temperature may contribute to this behavior. [4][5][6] A literature review of seven descriptive studies found the prevalence of eating problems in children with ASD to range between 46 and 89% in the patients evaluated. 7 The most common problems found in those studies were: limited food intake; refusal to eat certain foods or selectivity related to the texture, smell and taste of food; inflexibility regarding the use of utensils, brands and packaging; and behavioral and nutritional problems.…”

Maternal Perceptions of Mealtimes: Comparison of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Typical Development

“…Also, food selectivity, such as food refusal or limited repertoire of food, has been documented in children with ASD (Zobel-Lachiusa et al, 2015).…”

“…and found a significant (p < .001) relationship between the degree of sensory processing impairments and behavior challenges, including irritability, lethargy, stereotypic behavior, hyperactivity, and inappropriate speech. In addition, Zobel-Lachiusa, Andrianopoulos, Mailloux, and Cermak (2015) found that children with ASD (n = 34) showed greater sensory differences and statistically significant differences in mealtime behavior problems than typically developing peers (n = 34).…”