Recent studies have documented the connection between eating problems and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found that problematic eating behaviors occur in over half of children diagnosed with ASD. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding differences in eating problems by gender and age. This chapter presents a review of the existing reviews on eating problems and ASD. This is followed by empirical data collected from 31 boys and 28 girls aged 3–18 diagnosed with ASD at varying levels of functioning. The Aut-Eat questionnaire, designed to assess eating problems and habits in children with ASD, was the main research tool. A comparative analysis was conducted on differences in eating problems between boys and girls and between young children and adolescents. The results confirm that eating problems are prevalent among children and adolescents with ASD, but no significant differences were found in overall eating problems by gender or age group, and no interaction was found between age and gender. However, young boys exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of selective eating. These findings indicate that a deeper understanding of the issue is needed to develop effective intervention programs and provide appropriate individualized treatment to help children and youth with ASD address their eating challenges. This comprehensive analysis provides invaluable information for parents, educators, and clinicians, offering a foundation for tailored support and improved quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.

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Gender and Age Differences in Eating Patterns Among Children with Autism

  • Chen Peretz,
  • Shiri Pearlman-Avnion

摘要

Recent studies have documented the connection between eating problems and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found that problematic eating behaviors occur in over half of children diagnosed with ASD. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding differences in eating problems by gender and age. This chapter presents a review of the existing reviews on eating problems and ASD. This is followed by empirical data collected from 31 boys and 28 girls aged 3–18 diagnosed with ASD at varying levels of functioning. The Aut-Eat questionnaire, designed to assess eating problems and habits in children with ASD, was the main research tool. A comparative analysis was conducted on differences in eating problems between boys and girls and between young children and adolescents. The results confirm that eating problems are prevalent among children and adolescents with ASD, but no significant differences were found in overall eating problems by gender or age group, and no interaction was found between age and gender. However, young boys exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of selective eating. These findings indicate that a deeper understanding of the issue is needed to develop effective intervention programs and provide appropriate individualized treatment to help children and youth with ASD address their eating challenges. This comprehensive analysis provides invaluable information for parents, educators, and clinicians, offering a foundation for tailored support and improved quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.