The Experiences of Mothers Feeding Their Infants Later Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Bottle Feeding and Complementary Feeding Challenges.

Researchers interviewed 24 mothers about feeding their babies who were later diagnosed with autism. They found that feeding difficulties during the first year of life might be early signs of autism. These included problems with bottle feeding, drinking from cups, and starting solid foods. The feeding challenges seemed related to repetitive behaviors, communication differences, and sensory sensitivities that are common in autism.

This qualitative study interviewed 24 mothers about their experiences feeding infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the first year of life. Through thematic analysis, researchers identified four key themes related to feeding challenges: bottle feeding and cup behaviors, difficulties introducing complementary foods, ongoing complementary feeding problems, and comparisons with neurotypical siblings. The study suggests that early feeding behaviors during bottle and complementary feeding may represent early indicators of ASD characteristics, including repetitive and restrictive interests, social communication differences, and sensory sensitivities. This research provides insights into how autism-related traits may manifest in infant feeding patterns before formal diagnosis.

Early feeding difficulties may serve as potential early indicators for autism screening. Healthcare providers should consider comprehensive assessment when persistent feeding challenges are reported during infancy. These findings could inform development of early identification tools and support strategies for families experiencing infant feeding difficulties.

Small sample size of 24 mothers limits generalizability. Retrospective maternal reports may introduce recall bias. No comparison with control group of neurotypical infants. Study design and specific methodological details are not provided in the abstract.

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) more commonly experience feeding difficulty than their neurotypical (NT) peers, although less is known about how the feeding behaviors present during infancy. Twenty-four mothers participated in interviews exploring their experiences feeding their autistic and NT children during the first year of life and the context behind feeding practices that may also contribute to feeding difficulty in autistic children during infancy. Thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) bottle feeding and cup behaviors, (2) challenges in complementary food introduction, (3) continuing difficulty with complementary feeding, and (4) bottle feeding and complementary feeding in the NT sibling. Infant feeding behaviors during bottle feeding and complementary feeding may be indicative of early signs of ASD, including repetitive and restrictive interests, social communication differences, and sensory sensitivities.