Short Report: An Examination of Behavioral Factors Linked to Picky Eating in Autistic Children
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| Title: | Short Report: An Examination of Behavioral Factors Linked to Picky Eating in Autistic Children |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Anna Wallisch (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(6):1615-1619. |
| 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: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 5 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) (DHHS/NIH), Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: | KL2TR002367 F32HD101311 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Eating Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Young Children, Psychological Patterns, Aggression, Withdrawal (Psychology), Behavior Problems, Mental Health |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Bayley Mental Development Index |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261418948 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Eating difficulties are highly prevalent among autistic children and are linked to negative health consequences. While many mechanisms are thought to underly these behaviors, we know less about how internalizing and externalizing behaviors relate to eating difficulties in autism. The purpose of this study was to examine how internalizing and externalizing behaviors differ between autistic children (3-6 years of age) with parent-reported picky eating (n = 80) and without picky eating (n = 30). Data was drawn from intake paperwork and assessments completed as part of an autism diagnostic evaluation at a large medical center. Results suggested that picky eaters, when compared to non-picky eaters, had significantly more difficulties with aggression and withdrawal. Our study findings suggest that understanding the behavioral profiles associated with picky eating may be particularly useful when devising treatment plans. Furthermore, diagnosticians who may be the first to gather both eating and behavioral symptom data can initiate referrals to feeding specialists to help prevent some of the negative health consequences associated with these eating behaviors. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506532 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Eating difficulties are highly prevalent among autistic children and are linked to negative health consequences. While many mechanisms are thought to underly these behaviors, we know less about how internalizing and externalizing behaviors relate to eating difficulties in autism. The purpose of this study was to examine how internalizing and externalizing behaviors differ between autistic children (3-6 years of age) with parent-reported picky eating (n = 80) and without picky eating (n = 30). Data was drawn from intake paperwork and assessments completed as part of an autism diagnostic evaluation at a large medical center. Results suggested that picky eaters, when compared to non-picky eaters, had significantly more difficulties with aggression and withdrawal. Our study findings suggest that understanding the behavioral profiles associated with picky eating may be particularly useful when devising treatment plans. Furthermore, diagnosticians who may be the first to gather both eating and behavioral symptom data can initiate referrals to feeding specialists to help prevent some of the negative health consequences associated with these eating behaviors. |
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| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261418948 |
