Analysis Of Dietary Structure And Eating Behavior In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

[Purpose] Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental Disorder characterized by social interaction disorders,repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and narrow interests.Studies have found that children with ASD generally have abnormal eating behaviors,such as difficulty in feeding,food picky,refusal to try unfamiliar food,or even fear of food,which may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction,growth retardation and malnutrition as they grow older.In this paper,the dietary structure,dietary behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms of children with ASD were investigated and studied through a self-designed questionnaire survey on dietary structure and dietary behavior,and the characteristics of dietary structure and dietary behavior of children with ASD were analyzed to provide theoretical basis for comprehensive intervention of ASD.[Methods] Children aged 2-5 with autism diagnosed in Shanghai children's hospital affiliated to Shanghai jiaotong university from June,2017 to September,2018 were selected as research objects.Use the dsm-5 diagnostic criteria.Data of 256 children were collected,including 186 male children and 70 female children.The questionnaire survey on the guardians of the children with autism was conducted by using the self-compiled questionnaire on dietary behavior and structure of children with autism.A database was established by using Excel,data entry was conducted,and statistical analysis was conducted on the data through SPSS24.[Results] According to the CARS results,(85.2%)are positive and(14.8%)are negative.The results of the questionnaire showed that the children had different degrees of eating behavior problems,including sitting still,leaving the table,picky diet,single food and unwilling to try new food,which accounted for a high incidence(55.1%),(46.9%)and(44.1%),respectively.In terms of food selection,rice/pasta accounts for the highest proportion(66.4%),while fruit accounts for the second(45.7%).There is no significant difference in the rest,but they all indicate less consumption,including meat(5.9%),vegetables(4.7%)and water(1.6%).In defecation,constipation occurred in(28.5%),diarrhea occurred in(1.2%),and constipation and diarrhea occurred in(4.7%).[Conclusions] Children with autism have rigid dietary behaviors,picky diets,single food types,unbalanced nutritional intake and varying degrees of gastrointestinal symptoms,which should be paid attention to in the comprehensive intervention treatment of ASD.