EATING BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN WITH ASD AS A RISK FACTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT OF OBESITY

Abstract

Children with ASD are at increased risk of developing overweight and obesity. Eating disorder is one of the leading risk factors for the development of obesity in children with ASD. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding disorders are noted. The main problem is food selectivity (selectivity). It could be related to sensory sensitivity, eating habits. Children with ASD are picky about food, refuse new foods, choose their favorite food depending on shape, texture, color, have difficulty eating in restaurants or at school, resist sitting at the table, and throw food. They are committed to various gastronomic rituals: serving (their usual dishes, surroundings), place and time of eating, the way of cooking and food consistency, temperature, color. Neophobia is noted - fear of new products. The eating behavior of children with ASD is characterized by the choice of a limited set of foods or the consumption of one meal or product. At the same time, many children choose high calorie foods, processed foods. Children with ASD avoid eating fruits and vegetables and meat, they often choose unhealthy food (sweet drinks, sweet snaks, chips, fast food). At the same time, energy consumption is low. Many patients with ASD experience emotional overeating or slowness in eating. This often leads to the development of overweight and obesity. Eating behavior can be corrected with different methods and special skills. In particular, a gluten free diet is used. It is advisable to use an integrated approach (ABA therapy, sensory integration, increased physical activity, motor skills development, music therapy). In the absence of correction and treatment of eating disorders, symptoms never go away on their own, but only worsen.