Feeding and Eating Problems in Children and Adolescents with Autism: A Scoping Review

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Feeding and Eating Problems in Children and Adolescents with Autism: A Scoping Review
Language: English
Authors: Baraskewich, Jessica (ORCID 0000-0002-1556-3012), von Ranson, Kristin M. (ORCID 0000-0001-6023-7948), McCrimmon, Adam (ORCID 0000-0003-1535-2992), McMorris, Carly A. (ORCID 0000-0002-5164-6210)
Source: Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. Aug 2021 25(6):1505-1519.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Eating Disorders, Eating Habits, Preferences, Food, Children, Adolescents, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Self Concept, Body Weight, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Research Reports, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: United States, Australia, United Kingdom (England), Canada, Italy
DOI: 10.1177/1362361321995631
ISSN: 1362-3613
Abstract: Feeding problems, such as picky eating and food avoidance, are common in youth with autism. Other feeding and eating problems (e.g. disordered eating, fear of trying new foods, and insistence on specific food presentation) are also common in this population. This scoping review describes the nature and extent of feeding and eating problems in autistic youth and reports characteristics of autistic youth who experience such issues. Thirty-four studies were included in the current review, with almost all studies (91%) investigating feeding problems. Only 9% of studies examined concern with weight, shape, and/or body image, but several authors noted that disordered eating attitudes and behaviors may occur more frequently in those with autism than their peers without autism. No common individual characteristics (e.g. cognitive functioning and autism symptom severity) were identified for youth who experience feeding or eating problems. Although differentiating "feeding" from "eating" problems is critical for accurate identification and treatment of these issues, the existing literature has failed to do so. We propose that in future research "eating problems" be used when behaviors involve preoccupation with food, eating, or body image, and "feeding problems" be used when such preoccupation is absent.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1304185
Database: ERIC
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