Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2010 Feb;110(2):238-46.
doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2009.10.032.

Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders

Sharon A Cermak  1 , Carol Curtin, Linda G Bandini
Affiliations
Review

Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders

Sharon A Cermak et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders comprise a complex set of related developmental disorders that are characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Impairments in sensory processing are also extremely common. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is increasing and is currently estimated to affect 1 in 150 children. Autism spectrum disorders are considered to be a major health and educational problem, affecting many areas of daily living, including eating. Children with autism spectrum disorders are often described as picky or selective eaters. This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of the empirical literature over the last 25 years on food selectivity and nutritional adequacy in children with autism spectrum disorders. The possible contributions of sensory factors, such as sensory sensitivity, to food selectivity are discussed. The need for an interdisciplinary approach to managing atypical eating patterns in children with autism spectrum disorders is highlighted.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Legge B. Can't Eat, Won't Eat: Dietary Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2002.
    1. Tomchek SD, Dunn W. Sensory processing in children with and without autism: A comparative study using the Short Sensory Profile. Am J Occup Ther. 2007;61:190–200. - PubMed
    1. Twachtman-Reilly J, Amaral SC, Zebrowski PP. Addressing feeding disorders in children on the autism spectrum in school-based settings: Physiological and behavioral issues. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch. 2008;39:261–272. - PubMed
    1. Centers for Disease Control. Mental health in the United States: Parental report of diagnosed autism in children aged 4–17 years in the United States, 2003–2004. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006;Vol 55:481–486. - PubMed
    1. Bowers L. An audit of referrals of children with autistic spectrum disorder to the dietetic service. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2002;15:141–144. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms