An Intervention Case Study on the Feeding Behaviours and Dietary Intake of Autistic Children

Abstract

Parents and teachers of special needs children have frequently raised the concern of poor dietary intake, in particular to the population concerning children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Scientific literatures have explored the links of food selectivity and refusal to poor dietary intake, although findings are lacking. Poor nutrition can have negative impacts on health and wellbeing, which is a stark contrast to the aims of the Scottish Governemnt's plan to include Health and Wellbeing in the new Scottish Curriculum. Due to the heterogeneity of the ASD in terms of symptoms, food selectivity and strict mealtime rituals it is very difficult to generalise for the whole population. For this reason, case studies provide a foundation for investigating this heterogeneity and develop theories in how interventions could be developed for each individual child with ASD. Keywords: Autism; Limited Food Repertoire; Nutrition; Dietary Intake; Case Study; Intervention