Factors Influencing Food Selectivity and Food Preferences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Aims: To determine the Food Preferences and factors influencing food selectivity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from parents of children with Autism by using a questionnaire. Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan.

Results: In sample of 68 children 22 (32.4%) were female and 46 (67.6%) were male. Out of 68 children, 55(80.8%) liked rice ,40(58.8%) liked junk food, 41(60.2%) liked bread, 38(55.8%) liked crunchy food and 36(53%) liked fruits. Out of 68 children 32(47%) didn’t need certain silverware or temperature to eat food, 33(48%) didn’t prefer to sit with specific person or chair at meals, 31(.5%) didn’t show any behavior like crying and screaming, 30(44.1%) didn’t refuse food if not in a presentable way and 30(44.1%) disagreed to eat single food three times.

Conclusion: This study significantly shows that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has some food preferences. They like to eat soft food like rice and bread rather than churchy one, they like fruits, vegetable, junk food. They show behaviors like throw food while eating and refuses to self-feed. They prefer to watch TV or any electronic device at mealtime. Due to their sensory issues they refuse to taste new food. The result indicates that autistic child has food preferences and they show limited acceptance towards food.