Autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors in preschoolers: Mediating effects of sensory processing patterns.

This study looked at 503 preschoolers in China to understand how autism-like traits relate to picky eating and food avoidance. Parents filled out questionnaires about their children's social behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and eating habits. The research found that sensory processing differences help explain why some children with autism traits have more feeding difficulties. Children who are over-sensitive to sensory input or who avoid certain sensations tend to have more eating problems, while those with under-responsive sensory systems may actually eat better.

This cross-sectional study of 503 Chinese preschoolers (aged 4-6) examined relationships between autistic traits, ARFID-associated eating behaviors, and sensory processing patterns using parent-reported measures. Results showed significant associations among all three domains, with sensory processing patterns partially mediating the relationship between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors. The mediation analysis revealed complex patterns: sensory registration appeared to reduce picky eating and poor appetite in children with autistic traits, while sensory sensitivity and avoiding behaviors increased these difficulties. The study emphasizes the importance of considering sensory processing differences when addressing feeding challenges in children with autistic traits.

Early identification of sensory processing differences in children with autistic traits may help prevent development of severe feeding restrictions. Interventions should target specific sensory processing patterns - addressing hypersensitivity and avoidance behaviors while potentially supporting appropriate sensory registration. Comprehensive assessment should include sensory evaluation alongside autism and feeding assessments for preschoolers showing restrictive eating patterns.

Cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality or developmental trajectories. Study relied solely on parent-reported measures without clinical validation. Findings limited to Chinese preschool population may not generalize to other cultural contexts or age groups. ARFID-associated behaviors were assessed via screening tool rather than clinical diagnosis.

This study aimed to examine the association between autistic traits and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)-associated eating behaviors in preschool-age children and investigated whether this association was mediated by sensory processing patterns. A cross-sectional, parent-reported study was conducted between July 2022 and March 2023 among 503 preschoolers aged 4-6 years in China. Parents provided assessments of their children's autistic traits using the Social Responsiveness Scale, sensory processing patterns using the Short Sensory Profile 2, and ARFID-associated eating behaviors using the Nine Items ARFID Screen. The mediation model based on ordinary least squares regression was employed to test the mediating effects of sensory processing patterns between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors.

The results indicated significant associations among autistic traits, ARFID-associated eating behaviors, and sensory processing patterns. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that sensory processing patterns played a partial mediating role in the relationship between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors. Specifically, autistic traits were observed to weaken ARFID-associated eating behaviors, particularly picky eating and poor appetite, through Registration, while simultaneously fostering them through Sensitivity and Avoiding. Our study is limited to some extent by the inability to draw longitudinal conclusions from cross-sectional data.

Nevertheless, it underscores the significance of early identification and intervention for food avoidance/restriction behaviors due to sensory processing abnormalities in children with heightened autistic traits. This proactive approach may contribute to mitigating ARFID-associated eating behaviors that might drive clinical symptoms of ARFID.