Sensory Sensitivity and Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Few studies have compared atypical sensory characteristics and food selectivity between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We compared oral sensory processing between children with (n=53) and without ASD (n=58), ages 3–11 years. We also examined the relationships between atypical oral sensory processing, food selectivity, and fruit/vegetable consumption in children with ASD. We found that more children with ASD presented with atypical sensory processing than children without ASD. Among children with ASD, those with atypical oral sensory sensitivity refused more foods and ate fewer vegetables than those with typical oral sensory sensitivity. The findings suggest that efforts to address food selectivity in children with ASD may be enhanced by including strategies that address oral sensory processing.

Does sensory integration affect the clinical picture of autism spectrum disorder?

“…The oral-gustatory sense was evaluated in all three categories, but the therapist and parent assessments of this sensory modality were different. Fewer number of studies exploring this domain indicate the problems of stereotypic and unvarying diet (25,26), relating it to the repetitive / stereotyped behaviour, as well as the increased body mass index (Body Mass Index-BMI) (4,26).…”

“…The interpretation of the oral-gustatory sense relation with the severity of the disorder suggests that oralgustatory hyposensitivity is present with a higher degree of severity, which is related to the oral stimulation needs, frequent food overconsumption, stereotypic diet (4,26). In addition, the specificity of the oral-gustatory sense is that it includes tactile, proprioceptive and olfactory sensations (temperature and food structure detection, chewing, swallowing), suggesting a complex mutual relationship of the senses which is manifested by selecting and searching for certain food items (26). The severity of the disorder is additionally related to the oral-gustatory sense as the individuals with severe forms of ASD, accompanied by intellectual disability, focus the majority of their activities on nutrition.…”

Avaliação do limiar sensorial para gosto doce no autismo infantil

“…5 ASD symptomatology is understood as a group of psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interactions, interpersonal communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors that may be associated with intellectual disabilities. 6 Often also associated with this disorder are sensory processing difficulties, which include excessive or insufficient sensitivity to sensory stimuli in the environment, 7 and these sensory changes may lead to changes in eating behavior.…”

“…Studies on eating behavior of children with ASD have been gaining ground in public health research and programs, as food choices are important for children's quality of life. [7][8][9] It is understood that food selectivity seems to be the most frequent problem observed in the eating behavior of this public. Children with autistic spectrum disorder are reported to have atypical sensory characteristics, refuse more food, and eat less vegetables when compared to children without ASD, 7 characteristics of selective eating behavior.…”

“…[7][8][9] It is understood that food selectivity seems to be the most frequent problem observed in the eating behavior of this public. Children with autistic spectrum disorder are reported to have atypical sensory characteristics, refuse more food, and eat less vegetables when compared to children without ASD, 7 characteristics of selective eating behavior. High child food selectivity is associated with mealtime behavioral problems, which can have a negative impact on family routines and become a significant stressor.…”