Child ADHD and autistic traits, eating behaviours and weight: A population-based study.

This study looked at over 4,000 children to see how ADHD and autism traits affect eating habits and weight. Children with autism traits tended to be picky eaters and avoid food, while children with ADHD traits ate more in response to emotions and had higher weight. Children with both traits showed mixed eating patterns. The research suggests different approaches may be needed to support healthy eating for children with different traits.

This population-based study examined 4,134 children from the Generation R Study to understand how ADHD and autistic traits relate to eating behaviors and weight. Children were categorized into groups based on parent-reported traits at age 6, with eating behaviors measured at 10 years and BMI at 14 years. Results showed distinct patterns: children with both ADHD and autistic traits displayed mixed eating behaviors (both food-seeking and food-avoidant), those with autistic traits alone were more food-avoidant, while those with ADHD traits showed more food-seeking behaviors and higher BMI. The study suggests these neurodevelopmental trait profiles have different associations with obesity risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Findings suggest neurodevelopmental trait profiles require different approaches to eating and weight management. Children with ADHD traits may benefit from obesity prevention strategies, while those with autistic traits may need feeding therapy for food avoidance. Those with both traits require comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions addressing mixed eating patterns.

The study relied on parent-reported measures rather than clinical diagnoses. The abstract does not specify statistical significance levels or effect sizes. Causal relationships cannot be established from this observational design. Long-term outcomes beyond age 14 are unknown.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have an increased obesity risk. Although these conditions commonly co-occur, shared factors relating to obesity risk are unknown. To examine the shared and unique associations of ADHD and autistic traits with eating behaviours and BMI. Children (N = 4134) from the population-based Generation R Study were categorized into subgroups based on parent-reported ADHD and autistic traits scores at 6 years: ADHD, ASD, ADHD+ASDand REF (reference group: ADHD+ASD).

Multiple linear regressions examined the associations between subgroups and eating behaviours (at 10 years) and BMIz (at 14 years), relative to REF. Mediation analyses tested the indirect effect of subgroup and BMIz through eating behaviours. ADHD + ASDchildren expressed both food approach (increased food responsiveness and emotional overeating) and avoidant eating behaviours (increased emotional undereating, satiety responsiveness/ slowness in eating and picky eating, and decreased enjoyment in food). ASDchildren were more food avoidant, while ADHDchildren had more food approach behaviours and greater BMIz.

ADHDand BMIz were indirectly associated with food responsiveness and emotional overeating. ADHD and autistic trait phenotypes show distinct associations with potential obesity risk factors, and further research is needed to improve targeted early intervention.