title: Physical Status and Feeding Behavior of Children with Autism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the physical status and feeding behavior among children with autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty three autistic children aged 5-16 y enrolled in Sharjah Autism Center were studied. A questionnaire was administered to the parents of these children. Demographic information; gastrointestinal symptoms; mealtime behavior through Brief Assessment of Mealtime Behavior Inventory, Food Preference Inventory; and nutrient intake through a 3 day food record were collected. Physical status was determined in terms of height, weight and body mass index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Male-female ratio of autism in the sample was 3.6:1. Twelve children were obese and another 5 were overweight. Mealtime behavior revealed that 69.6 % of the children never/rarely cried/screamed during mealtimes, turned their face or body away from food (52 %), or expelled food (61 %) that he/she has eaten. Food Preference Inventory showed food refusal of 59.1 ± 20.6 % for combined food groups in autistic children. Specifically, higher preference was found for starches (55.8 %) and least for protein (32.6 %). A 3 day food record revealed that their diets were repetitive with limited variety and evidence of nutrient inadequacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comparatively higher enrolment of males with autism was found and three-fourth of the total children had difficulty in maintaining normal weight. Mealtime behavior concerns were displayed occasionally including rigidity in mealtime routines, unwillingness to try new foods and not being able to be seated until the meal was finished. High rates of food rejection, notably protein and limited variety resulting into nutrient inadequacy were evident.
authors: Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, PO Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, aattlee@sharjah.ac.ae.
authors: Amita
authors: A
authors: Attlee
authors: Hanin
authors: H
authors: Kassem
authors: Mona
authors: M
authors: Hashim
authors: Reyad Shaker
authors: RS
authors: Obaid
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014479:United Arab Emirates