A Survey of Community Providers on Feeding Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder
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| Title: | A Survey of Community Providers on Feeding Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Teresa Lindsey Burrell, William G. Sharp, Scott Gillespie, Katherine Pickard, Susan Brasher, Derianne Buckley, Lawrence Scahill (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(6):2000-2008. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Eating Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Patients, Therapy, Community Surveys, Evidence Based Practice, Intervention, Pediatrics |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-023-06013-7 |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Feeding problems, ranging from mild to severe, are common in children with autism spectrum disorder. We conducted a 15-item online survey of community providers to gather information on service demand and current treatment approaches for this clinical population. Methods: Respondents, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, were recruited via e-mail listservs, professional conferences, continuing education programs, social media and electronic newsletters. The survey included questions about professional discipline, years in practice, patient population served, feeding problem types, therapeutic approaches, and level of interest in parent-mediated interventions. Results: A total of 541 community practitioners responded to the survey; 419 provided usable data. Across all providers, 97% (n = 406) reported seeing children with ASD and feeding problems. Of these, 90% (n = 367) offered treatment. Providers (n = 23) who did not treat feeding problems cited "insufficient training." Most common presenting problems included limited dietary variety, texture sensitivity, and disruptive mealtime behavior. Although treatment approaches varied across disciplines, 89.3% indicated openness to parent-mediated treatment. Conclusions: These results indicate a high demand for treatment of children with ASD and feeding problems across disciplines. Food selectivity was the most common problem. Treatment approaches varied across disciplines. Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based, parent-mediated intervention is warranted. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1470809 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Purpose: Feeding problems, ranging from mild to severe, are common in children with autism spectrum disorder. We conducted a 15-item online survey of community providers to gather information on service demand and current treatment approaches for this clinical population. Methods: Respondents, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, were recruited via e-mail listservs, professional conferences, continuing education programs, social media and electronic newsletters. The survey included questions about professional discipline, years in practice, patient population served, feeding problem types, therapeutic approaches, and level of interest in parent-mediated interventions. Results: A total of 541 community practitioners responded to the survey; 419 provided usable data. Across all providers, 97% (n = 406) reported seeing children with ASD and feeding problems. Of these, 90% (n = 367) offered treatment. Providers (n = 23) who did not treat feeding problems cited "insufficient training." Most common presenting problems included limited dietary variety, texture sensitivity, and disruptive mealtime behavior. Although treatment approaches varied across disciplines, 89.3% indicated openness to parent-mediated treatment. Conclusions: These results indicate a high demand for treatment of children with ASD and feeding problems across disciplines. Food selectivity was the most common problem. Treatment approaches varied across disciplines. Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based, parent-mediated intervention is warranted. |
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| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-023-06013-7 |
