Otizmi Olan Çocukların Beslenme Durumunun Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

The study was planned to identify the nutritional status and eating behaviours of children with an autism spectrum disorder and to investigate parental attitudes displayed by the parents towards children’s diets.

The study was conducted with 86 mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorders studying in two Special Education Centers in Izmir. To collect the study data, the Nutritional Status and Eating Behaviours Assessment Questionnaire for Children and the Parental Feeding Style Questionnaire were used. Of the children, 80.2% were male, 44.2% were in the 7-12 age group, 38.4% had a chronic disease, 47.1% continuously took medication. As for their nutrition habits; 6.1% did not consume milk and dairy products, 8.4% meat and meat products, 13.6% eggs, 12.2% legumes, 12.2% vegetables, 4.9% fruits, 3.7% grain products and 6.1% butter/margarine/oil. While 40.7% of the families used food to take their attention to something else, 65.8% used food as a reward. While 51.4% of the children consumed their food and drinks in very small bites and sips, 35.1% consumed in very large bites and sips, and 13.5% had severely restricted diet.

Feeding children with an autism brings about serious problems due to various factors. Providing education to families about eating habits would be beneficial.