Analysis of food selectivity allied to obesity in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in a municipal public hospital - Fortaleza/CE

*Correspondence: [e-mail].

Abstract

Background: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that compromises communication and social skills. Selective eating behavior is very present in individuals with autism. Food inadequacies can occur by limiting the intake of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, requiring nutritional monitoring to intervene with supplements, in order to improve not only the nutritional status but also the behavioral changes that occur with nutritional deficiency.

Objective: To investigate the nutritional status of children and adolescents with ASD.

Methods: This is a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study. Children and adolescents between 4 and 17 years of age, of both genders, diagnosed with ASD were included.

Results: The study took place in the city of Fortaleza/CE, in a public hospital that cares for children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD, from March to April 2022, with a total sample of 42 patients. Investigated sociodemographic variables, clinical, anthropometric, and food, data analysis was carried out using the statistical package Jamovi version 1.6.23 using the mean, standard deviation, and Kruskal and Wallis test with statistical significance p < 0.05. There was a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in both groups, as well as higher factors for food selectivity in children. However, the relationship between selective eating behavior and nutritional status was not significant (P>0.05), although it identified a considerable number of overweight/obese children with food selectivity problems.

Conclusion: Special attention should be given to the nutritional status of people with ASD, as there is a prevalence of overweight/obesity and food selectivity factors that can directly and/or indirectly influence the behavior of this group.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2025