Dietetics/Nutrition

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses many unique nutrition challenges from selective eating behaviors to possible gastrointestinal (GI) alterations. The restrictive and repetitive eating behaviors that characterize ASD are concerning because any dietary restriction, whether self-imposed, imposed by a parent/caregiver, or medically necessary can increase the risk of inadequate nutritional intake. The process of eating food involves of number of senses including sight, smell, taste, and feel through the various textures found in food. Children with ASD consumed fewer total foods than their typically developing peers. As part of the interdisciplinary team, the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) works with the caregivers to develop therapeutic dietary interventions. When the RDN begins developing a dietary prescription, alleviation of GI symptoms should be a primary consideration. The first step in the RDN's care of the child with ASD is to complete a full nutrition assessment including analysis of anthropometric measurements, lab values if available, and dietary intake. This chapter discusses nutrition assessment and nutrition-related problems and interventions such as dietary intake, feeding practices, gastrointestinal issues, food allergies, special diets, and overweight and obesity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)