Feeding Problems, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Challenging Behavior and Sensory Issues in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Geraldine Leader, Elaine Tuohy, June L. Chen, Arlene Mannion, Shawn P. Gilroy

Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer)Articlepeer-review

112 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Frequency of feeding problems, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, challenging behavior, sensory problems and comorbid psychopathology were assessed using the following questionnaires: Screening Tool for Feeding Problems for Children, GI Symptoms Inventory, Behavior Problems Inventory Short Form, Short Sensory Profile, and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Comorbidity Child (ASD-CC) in 136 children and adolescents with ASD. Eighty-four percent had food selectivity, followed by food refusal (78.7%), rapid eating (76.5%), chewing problems (60.3%), food stealing (49.3%) and vomiting (19.1%). Higher rates of GI symptoms, challenging behavior, and sensory issues were found in those who presented with rapid eating, food refusal and food stealing than those without these problems. Comorbid psychopathology predicted rapid eating, food selectivity and food refusal.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1401-1410
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume50
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2020

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Challenging behavior
  • Comorbid psychopathology
  • Comorbidity
  • Feeding problems
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Sensory issues

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