Selectivity and Food Conduct in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Systematic Review

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to an alteration in neurological development typified by deficits in social communication, as well as in restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, varying in a continuum demarcated by the severity levels of their symptomatic pictures. It is estimated that about 45 to 90% of children with ASD have deficiencies in their eating habits, which may include atypical eating patterns and persistent practices of food selectivity, thus limiting the diet of these subjects. Given this context, the present study has the central objective of discussing, through the bibliographic review, the implications resulting from selectivity and eating behaviors in children with an autism spectrum disorder. It is, therefore, a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, organized from a natural perspective, emphasizing in a contextualized and judicious way the analyzed theme. Literary findings suggest that the conduct of food selectivity is significant for both family members, through high levels of stress; as, and above all, for children with ASD, since they will be more likely to develop gastrointestinal disorders, low quality of life, reduced levels of nutrients necessary for their proper development and scurvy when compared to those with typical neurodevelopment. In this sense, it appears that recognition of the different clinical and behavioral patterns manifested in children with ASD through food selectivity, is an important issue for family members and professionals in their diverse clinical practices, considering that the recognition of these patterns will be immeasurable utility in the development of adequate and early treatment strategies.