ERIC Number: EJ1304185
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Aug
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
Feeding and Eating Problems in Children and Adolescents with Autism: A Scoping Review
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v25 n6 p1505-1519 Aug 2021
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.
Descriptors: Eating Disorders, Eating Habits, Preferences, Food, Children, Adolescents, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Self Concept, Body Weight, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Research Reports, Foreign Countries
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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; Australia; United Kingdom (England); Canada; Italy
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A