ERIC Number: EJ1374406
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-May
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Available Date: N/A
Short Report: The Role of Oral Hypersensitivity in Feeding Behaviors of Young Autistic Children
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v27 n4 p1157-1162 May 2023
Feeding problems are common among autistic children and are linked to negative health consequences. Therefore, understanding feeding problems and factors that influence these behaviors is important for developing supports for children and families. While certain sensory processing patterns are commonly associated with feeding problems, less is known about the link between sensory processing and feeding behaviors in autism, as well as how parent behaviors and feelings during mealtime differ based on child sensory preferences. This research examined two groups of young autistic children who were reported to be picky eaters by their parents: those with and those without oral hypersensitivity. Children with oral hypersensitivity had more difficulty with food acceptance, and their parents reported more negative feelings around feeding their child. However, the two groups of children (oral hypersensitive and not) did not differ in their medical/oral motor symptoms, mealtime behavior, or parent use of strategies at mealtimes. This research supports the need for personalized treatment strategies based on the child's sensory preferences to support both the child and parent in managing mealtimes.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Food, Sensory Experience, Parent Child Relationship, Parent Attitudes, Negative Attitudes, Behavior Problems, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Child Behavior, Preschool Children, Nutrition, Eating Disorders
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: F32HD101311
Author Affiliations: N/A