Association between feeding/mealtime behavior problems and internalizing/externalizing problems in autism spectrum disorder, other neurodevelopmental disorders and typically developing children.

This study found that children with autism have more feeding problems than other children, including refusing food and eating only a limited variety of foods. When autistic children also have emotional or behavioral difficulties, their parents experience more stress and frustration during mealtimes. The researchers recommend that doctors regularly check for eating problems in autistic children to prevent nutrition issues.

This comparative study examined feeding and mealtime behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), other neurodevelopmental disorders, and typically developing children. Using standardized assessment tools including the BAMBI and BPFAS, researchers found that children with ASD demonstrated significantly more feeding difficulties, particularly food refusal and limited food variety, compared to other groups. The study also revealed that internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in children with ASD were positively associated with increased parental frustration during mealtimes. These findings highlight the complex relationship between feeding difficulties and broader behavioral challenges in autism, suggesting the need for comprehensive screening and intervention approaches.

Regular screening for feeding and mealtime behavior problems should be implemented for children with ASD to identify dietary inadequacies early. Interventions should address both feeding difficulties and associated behavioral problems while providing parent support to reduce mealtime stress and frustration.

The abstract does not report sample size, specific demographic details, or study methodology. The study type is unknown, limiting assessment of research design quality. No information about participant recruitment, control for confounding variables, or longitudinal follow-up is provided.

The aim of current study was to examine the nature and prevalence of feeding problems and mealtime behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comparing to children with other neurodevelopmental disorders (NNDs) and TD children. We also investigated the impact of intelligence quotient (IQ) and/or emotional and behavioral problems on feeding and mealtime behavior problems. Participants completed the following tests: Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) and Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS). Children with ASD showed more feeding and mealtime behavior problems including food refusal (P<0.001, P<0.001) and limited variety of foods (P=0.014; P=0.018) compared with NDDs and TD children.

ASD group showed more problems in mealtime behavior (P=0.034) and parent behaviors (P=0.028) compared to TD group. Internalizing (P=0.003) and externalizing (P=0.008) problems were positively related to parent frustration during mealtime in ASD group. These results suggest that routine screening for feeding and mealtime behavior problems among children with ASD is necessary to prevent dietary inadequacies that may be associated with eating habits.