Determination of nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorder and the effect of nutrition education on families

Nutrition status of autistic children and family education

Abstract

Background/Aim: Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that present with a wide range of behaviors and symptoms. These behaviors are lifelong and often lead to difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive actions. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and anthropometric measurements of autistic children and to assess the impact of nutrition education provided to parents in a private education center in Gaziantep, Turkey.

Methods: A three-month intervention study was conducted at the Hasan Kalyoncu University Special Education and Research Centre on ten male and four female autistic children aged 4-9 years (7.2±1.37 years). Nutrition education was provided to the families at the onset, as well as at the first, second, and third month marks. A questionnaire was employed to ascertain the demographic characteristics and dietary habits of the children. At the onset of the study and at the conclusion of the three-month intervention, the participants were asked to record their food intake over a seven-day period. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at months one, two, and three. The body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. At the conclusion of the study, the Children's Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI) and the Gastrointestinal Severity Index (GI) questionnaires were administered to the families. The intake of energy, fiber, vitamins D, B₁, folate, iron, and calcium were found to be below the recommended daily allowances.

Results: The percentage of energy contribution from fat was found to be high. The mean change in the differences between height (P=0.001), body weight (P=0.021), hip (P=0.001), neck (P=0.001), and head circumferences (P=0.004), body fat mass (P=0.001), and body fat percentage (P=0.001) were found to be statistically significant within three months and at 4-6 years but not at 7-9 years. Overall, 53.1% of children had at least one gastrointestinal (GI) symptom. The mean GI score was 5.6. The most common symptoms were diarrhea (64.3%), flatulence (57.1%), abdominal pain (50.0%) and constipation (35.7%).

Conclusion: Numerous studies demonstrate that nutritional education can lead to significant positive outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To maximize these benefits, it is essential to integrate dietitians into the support team, as they can greatly enhance families' understanding of the nutritional needs of autistic children. In this and similar studies, it is very difficult to control and regulate nutrition in children with autism, because despite all efforts, parents are often unable to control their children's nutrition due to tantrums and behavioral problems. It is imperative that doctors and parents work with nutritionists and dietitians to help these children stay fit and improve their quality of life by eating healthily.