The Characterization of Feeding Challenges in Autistic Children
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| Title: | The Characterization of Feeding Challenges in Autistic Children |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Brittany M. St. John (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2024 28(9):2381-2393. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: | P30HD03352 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Food, Nutrition, Difficulty Level, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Predictor Variables, Child Behavior |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613241227518 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Feeding challenges are a significant concern for autistic children. Literature has yet to comprehensively characterize feeding challenges for autistic children. Further research is needed to understand predictors of feeding severity and identify opportunities for screening and intervention. The purpose of this study was to characterize the presentation of feeding challenges in autistic children and identify predictors of feeding challenge classification and severity. Data from a national cross-sectional survey of caregivers (n = 427) of autistic children with feeding challenges was used. Feeding challenges were characterized using descriptive statistics. Autism diagnosis age and age of onset of feeding challenges was compared using non-parametric testing. Bi-directional stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to identify significant predictors of feeding challenge scores. Sensory-based feeding challenges were the most common. Age of onset of feeding challenges was significantly lower than the age of autism diagnosis. Early feeding challenges differentially predicted feeding challenge severity and classification scores. The results of this study identify the relationships among early feeding challenges and the severity and classification of feeding challenges in later childhood. Results demonstrate the importance of early monitoring of feeding challenges. These findings can be used to inform the identification of critical timepoints for intervention. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1440362 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Feeding challenges are a significant concern for autistic children. Literature has yet to comprehensively characterize feeding challenges for autistic children. Further research is needed to understand predictors of feeding severity and identify opportunities for screening and intervention. The purpose of this study was to characterize the presentation of feeding challenges in autistic children and identify predictors of feeding challenge classification and severity. Data from a national cross-sectional survey of caregivers (n = 427) of autistic children with feeding challenges was used. Feeding challenges were characterized using descriptive statistics. Autism diagnosis age and age of onset of feeding challenges was compared using non-parametric testing. Bi-directional stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to identify significant predictors of feeding challenge scores. Sensory-based feeding challenges were the most common. Age of onset of feeding challenges was significantly lower than the age of autism diagnosis. Early feeding challenges differentially predicted feeding challenge severity and classification scores. The results of this study identify the relationships among early feeding challenges and the severity and classification of feeding challenges in later childhood. Results demonstrate the importance of early monitoring of feeding challenges. These findings can be used to inform the identification of critical timepoints for intervention. |
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| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613241227518 |
