02 April: World Autism Day/Eating disorders in children with autism

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Extract from the article: Eating disorders are a daily reality for children with autism. They can have various causes, although they are generally secondary to the characteristic alterations of this disorder. In fact, they occur in one way or another, with varying degrees of

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Eating disorders are a daily reality for children with autism. They can have various causes, although they are generally secondary to the characteristic alterations of this disorder. In fact, they occur in one way or another, with varying degrees of intensity. It is important to deal with them in good time to avoid possible nutritional deficiencies and complications.

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of disorders of the central nervous system that affect brain function. They generally appear during childhood, and the problems in neural functioning result in difficulties in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Eating is one of the areas affected in autistic patients. Its origin is linked to alterations in sensory perception, resulting in hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to certain textures, tastes, smells or colours of food, limited and restrictive interests, repetitive behaviours, difficulty in fully integrating sensory perceptions, etc. Consequently, the impact on eating can manifest itself in several ways.

A diet with little variety

Because of the limited choice of foods and the strong aversions that some of them can provoke, the diet of autistic children can be very unvaried.The rejection may concern specific foods, an entire food group, or foods of a certain colour or texture.They also tend to have a preference for one type of preparation or presentation.In general, although this is not the norm for all children, they tend to prefer red, yellow or orange foods, while the most rejected textures are grainy, viscous and astringent.

Insufficient quantities

Children with autism have difficulty concentrating on a single task for long periods.This prevents them from sitting down at the table and eating properly.Their diet may be insufficient in terms of energy and nutrients.

In some cases, moreover, it can be difficult to establish roles of power and accept the limits imposed. As a result, it is the children themselves who take total control of their diet, so they choose what to eat, what not to eat and in what quantities.

Food aversion

This aversion is caused by negative classical conditioning.Classical conditioning is the existence of a stimulus-response that appears as the product of an experience.As a result, aversion to or rejection of certain foods occurs if the child's subsequent experience, after trying it for the first time, has been negative.Negative experiences can be physical (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea) or psychological, i.e. discomfort generated by anger or a struggle to eat.

In addition, the negative memory may be extended to other similar foods. This further reduces the variety of foods accepted.

In many cases, aversion to certain foods is not linked to a negative experience. When the food presented to him is not his favourite or usual food, the autistic child systematically rejects it because he is in a certain routine. They are therefore reluctant to accept changes or new things.

Problems related to medication

Some of the medicines used to treat disorders associated with autism spectrum disorders have an impact on children's diet. They cause a decrease or increase in appetite and may prevent the absorption of certain vitamins or minerals.This is why it is important to be aware of the side effects of treatments and to discuss them with the professionals responsible for treating children.

Frequent digestive disorders

Children with autism may often experience certain symptoms related to the digestive system and eating, including abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, regurgitation, flatulence or vomiting.In all cases, the onset of these symptoms is not caused by the disorder itself, but by the dietary problems associated with it.

For example, restricting the consumption of certain fruits and vegetables can lead to a diet very low in fibre, which ends up causing constipation problems.Similarly, difficulty or inadequate chewing can lead to poor digestion and flatulence.However, beware of the frequency and intensity of symptoms.

It is also important to assess the possible existence of a food intolerance or allergy, as many children experience in childhood.

Intervening in eating problems

Although they may not be considered a priority, deficiencies during childhood can lead to situations of malnutrition or undernutrition.Such a situation represents an additional problem for the proper development and growth of children.

A meta-analysis of scientific studies revealed that the diet of autistic children was lower in protein and calcium than that of children without autistic disorder. As a result, attention should be paid to any dietary problems in order to find an appropriate solution in each situation.In addition, specialists stress the need for a diet adapted to each child, in particular their preferences and wishes, as well as control of their nutritional status. Avoid digestive problems and prevent future problems linked to poor nutrition.

Eating disorders in autistic children require special attention.Treating eating disorders in autistic children is essential to avoid complications during their development and growth process.Any abnormality in eating behaviour is therefore a reason to consult paediatricians, nutritionists and other health professionals.

William O.

Article validated by Adiel Lotri, Occupational Therapist in Mental Health (Togo)