Feeding Problems in Children

with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sri Kesuma Astuti, Rismarini, Yudianita Kesuma
Department of Child Health
University of Sriwijaya Medical School/ Dr.Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital,
Palembang.

BACKGROUND
Feeding difficulties are well known to affect children with autism spectrum disorders
(ASD). The patterns of repetitive behaviors, preference for routine, perfectionism, fixation
on details are reflected in eating patterns, but what specific behaviors and problems that
families and clinicians encounter will vary. It is important to recognize these conditions to
accommodate the special needs and complexity of individuals with ASD.

OBJECTIVE
To identify the prevalence and types of feeding problems in children with autism spectrum
disorder in Palembang.

METHODS
A descriptive study was done on March 2017 in one of the local rehabilitation center and
the outpatient service of Mohammad Hoesin Hospital. Data regarding feeding problems
were collected by questionnaires obtained from parents or caregivers whose children
were diagnosed as ASD, and at the age of 3-18 years at the time of the study.

RESULTS
Forty-eight children were included in the study, 37 were boys, with mean age of 5.37 ±
1.85 years. We found that 65% children with ASD had feeding problems.

60 Food Selectivity
50
40 Food Neophobia
30
20 Pica
56 % 44 % 19 % 27%
10
0 Probematic Mealtime Behaviours
Feeding Problems

CONCLUSION
More than half of ASD children have feeding problems and the most common type of
feeding problems in ASD children is food selectivity.

Keywords: Feeding problems, autism spectrum disorder, food selectivity,

food neophobia, pica