Behavioral feeding challenges, nutritional deficiencies, and obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional studychildren study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate behavioral feeding disorders among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to examine their associations with dietary intake and selected anthropometric measurements. Material and Methods: The sample included 70 children aged 6–15 years (49 males, 21 females) diagnosed with ASD. The parents or caregivers of children with ASD provided sociodemographic details, answered nutrition-related questions, and completed the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) to evaluate behavioral feeding difficulties in their children. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI percentiles, while body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Based on age- and gender-specific cutoffs, 45.7% of the children were classified as obese. Additionally, 37.1% of the children exhibited feeding behavior challenges. Children with feeding behavior problems were found to have significantly lower intake levels of fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, zinc, and iron and significantly higher body fat percentages compared to their peers without such issues (p=0.013, p=0.012, p=0.019, p=0.027,p=0.019, p=0.008, p=0.018, p=0.049 respectively). Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of obesity and feeding behavior problems among children with ASD, emphasizing the association between behavioral feeding issues, inadequate nutrient intake, and increased body fat percentage. These findings underscore the need for nutritional interventions and behavioral strategies to address feeding challenges and promote healthier dietary patterns in this population.