FOOD SELECTIVITY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS –

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents patients with a range of impairments, particularly in socialization, communication, and neuropsychological development. Most patients with ASD, regardless of the level of impairment, exhibit food selectivity, negatively impacting their nutritional status, growth, and development. Objective: To analyze the impacts of food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder. Methodology: This study is bibliographic and retrospective, based on information collected from articles published in indexed scientific journals over the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2024). The search was conducted using the keywords: “Food Selectivity” and “Autism” in Portuguese, and “Food Selectivity,” “Picky Eating,” the connector “and” or “in,” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder” in English, on the websites: ResearchGate, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Initially, 16 articles were found, and after selection, 15 were chosen for the final writing. Results: The analyses revealed that most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder exhibited food selectivity, characterized by sensory aspects, utilizing the five senses as fundamental markers, with odor, texture, appearance, and temperature as restrictive factors. Family influence showed a negative impact on food refusal as well as food choices. Epidemiological data indicated low weight, overweight, and obesity as public health issues, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the problem. Conclusion: Based on the analysis presented, food selectivity demonstrated significant nutritional impacts on the health of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing the importance of family involvement, along with a multidisciplinary team, in addressing food refusal and eating disorders.