Feeding Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Many parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) report that their children have feeding problems. A body of literature targeted toward parents of children with ASD includes information about possible interventions for this problem. Most intervention suggestions within this literature have been only anecdotally reported to be effective; few research studies have addressed maladaptive feeding behaviors in children with ASD. This review synthesizes current research regarding the types of feeding problems and interventions used with children with ASD. In addition, the authors briefly discuss the literature on treating feeding problems in other populations as a means of comparison. They also point out differences in empirically supported treatments and treatments used by parents for aberrant feeding behaviors in children with ASD.