ERIC Number: EJ1352872
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Understanding Feeding Problems in Autistic Children: Exploring the Interplay between Internalizing Symptoms and Sensory Features
Crippa, Alessandro; Colombo, Paola; De Cosmi, Valentina; Mazzocchi, Alessandra; Scaglioni, Silvia; Spolidoro, Giulia Carla Immacolata; Bettocchi, Silvia; D'Oria, Veronica; ViganĂ², Nicole; Mani, Elisa; Molteni, Massimo; Agostoni, Carlo
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v26 n8 p2165-2174 Nov 2022
Feeding/behavior problems are highly prevalent in autistic children. This study aimed to explore the interplay between autistic features, sensory processing patterns, emotional/behavioral difficulties, and feeding problems in children with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Ninety-nine children aged 1.5-5 years were assessed using the Children's Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI), the Child Behavior Checklist, the Revised Sensory Profile--Second Edition (SP-2), and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. The sample was divided into two subgroups based on the presence of feeding behavior problems as rated by parents on the CEBI. Children with feeding problems showed more severe internalizing symptoms and were more reactive to sensory stimuli than children without feeding problems. We also found a significant relationship between higher levels of autistic features and greater feeding behavior problems. A mediation analysis model indicated that this relationship was mediated by sensory processing, as reflected by SP-2 quadrants scores. Although preliminary, these findings suggest that children with higher levels of autistic features could be at greater risk of developing feeding behavior problems only if they also have a higher sensory sensitivity to environmental stimuli.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Eating Disorders, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Perceptual Impairments, Emotional Problems, Behavior Problems, Infants, Toddlers, Preschool Children, Child Behavior, Foreign Countries, Individual Characteristics
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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2993
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Italy
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Child Behavior Checklist; Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A