Parent’s perception about nutritional status and feeding problems of children with ASD

Abstract

This research aimed to explore parent's perceptions of the nutritional status and feeding challenges faced by children with ASD. It employed a semi-structured questionnaire to capture detailed insights from ten mothers at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP). The study delineated three principal themes. This research used a qualitative phenomenological approach, which provided a deep understanding of parent's experiences. It was conducted in one location, with 10 parents of children with ASD participating. A significant concern expressed by parents revolved around the inadequate nutrition resulting from selective eating habits and outright food refusal, conditions exacerbated by sensory sensitivities and behavioural rigidity typical in children with ASD. Some parents noted specific symptoms of malnutrition, such as frequent illnesses and poor physical development. In contrast, others perceived their children’s nutritional intake as sufficient, gauging adequacy through growth metrics like height and weight rather than detailed nutritional analysis. This discrepancy highlights a critical gap in the awareness and understanding of ASD-related dietary needs among parents. Feeding challenges were notably influenced by the children’s marked preference for specific textures and types of food, such as fried foods and solid textures, which align with their sensory preferences but often lead to unbalanced dietary intake. Behavioural resistance, including prolonged meal times and refusal, further complicated feeding routines. Some parents resorted to using distractions like mobile devices to mitigate mealtime struggles, a strategy that, while effective in the short term, raised concerns about developing independent eating habits. The study revealed a significant gap in access to professional support for feeding challenges. Keywords: Perception, Nutritional status, Eating/ Feeding issue, ASD.