The characterization of feeding challenges in autistic children

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. Lay abstract Feeding challenges are common for autistic children. Currently, research and intervention for feeding challenges focuses on single factors (e.g. behavior or sensory). Research is needed to understand the complexity of feeding challenges. This study provides a comprehensive description of feeding challenges. Furthermore, this study identifies what factors predict the severity and type of feeding challenges experienced by autistic children. Using the Survey for Characterization of Feeding Challenges in Autistic Children—United States, 427 caregivers of autistic children provided information about their child’s feeding challenges. Children were between the ages of 2 and 12 with an average age of 8.42 years. Children in the study had a wide variety of feeding difficulties including challenges in early childhood, sensory challenges, difficulty with family mealtime, and variable self-help skills. On average children’s feeding challenges were present prior to their autism diagnosis. We found that children who had early feeding challenges had more severe feeding challenges in later childhood. Also, specific early feeding challenges predicted the types of feeding challenges children would have later in childhood. For example, children who had difficulty transitioning to table foods and who continued to restrict their diet over time were more likely to have sensory-based feeding challenges. Results from this study show how feeding challenges present in a wide variety of ways for autistic children. The findings also highlight the importance of screening for feeding challenges in early childhood and collaborating with families to understand individualized feeding challenge experiences. These results could be used to inform evaluation and intervention for feeding.