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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

13-02-2025 | Brief Report

Brief Report: Eating Habits and Social Setting: Comparing Children with Autism and Typically Developing Children

Auteurs: Ronit Saban-Bezalel, Orit Stolar, Esther Ben-Itzchak

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Abstract

Purpose

Eating problems are commonly reported as co-occurring conditions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are also prevalent among typically developing (TD) children. While it has been shown that eating problems in TD children are influenced by social settings, this factor has not been extensively studied in children with ASD.

Method

This study compared the perspectives of parents and preschool teachers on the eating habits of both ASD and TD children. The study included children aged 29–81 months, 34 TD children, and 31 children diagnosed with ASD who attended special education preschool classes specifically designed for them.

Results

The findings revealed that parental and preschool teacher reports were generally consistent, but parents tended to report more severe eating problems for both groups of children. Thus, pointing to the impact of social settings on eating in ASD. Additionally, the reports indicated that eating problems were more severe in children with ASD compared to TD children.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the significant influence of social settings on children’s eating behavior. It is essential for education and treatment teams to recognize that eating habits may vary between home and preschool environments. They should be attentive to parents’ concerns regarding their children’s eating habits at home and provide appropriate support and guidance.

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Titel: Brief Report: Eating Habits and Social Setting: Comparing Children with Autism and Typically Developing Children
Auteurs: Ronit Saban-Bezalel
Orit Stolar
Esther Ben-Itzchak
Publicatiedatum: 13-02-2025
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06746-7

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Brief Report: Eating Habits and Social Setting: Comparing Children with Autism and Typically Developing Children

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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