Prevalence of feeding disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and recurrent infections in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared with their healthy siblings

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Published

2012-12-01

How to Cite

Díaz Atienza, F., Serrano Nieto, S., Domenech, P. J., & García Pablos, C. (2012). Prevalence of feeding disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and recurrent infections in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared with their healthy siblings. Revista De Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil, 29(4), 11–16. Retrieved from https://aepnya.eu/index.php/revistaaepnya/article/view/228

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 4 (2012)

Section

Orginial article

Authors

  • F Díaz Atienza Unidad de Salud Mental Infanto- Juvenil Hospital U. Virgen de las Nieves
  • S Serrano Nieto Unidad de Salud Mental Infanto- Juvenil Hospital U. Virgen de las Nieves
  • P J Domenech Unidad de Salud Mental Infanto- Juvenil Hospital U. Virgen de las Nieves
  • C García Pablos Unidad de Salud Mental Infanto- Juvenil Hospital U. Virgen de las Nieves

Keywords:

Autistic disorders, feeding behaviour, recurrent infections, gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of different neurobiological processes, which are characterized by the existence of deficits in multiple functional areas. One area of growing concern is that related to the diet. The cause of the alterations in the development of the feeding area in autistic children is unclear, and there is currently no agreement to define the primary or secondary nature of these alterations. Aim: To analyze feeding habits, history of intestinal disorders, allergies and recurrent infections in a population of children and adolescents with ASD. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional design and retrospective case-control study was made. The sample comprised 138 subjects: 84 children and adolescents suffering from ASD (DSM-IV criteria) and 54 controls (brothers of the sample subjects). A questionnaire was designed specifically for this study that was completed by parents. Results: When comparing the feeding habits of children with autism and controls, we see that autistic children have more difficulties in: incorporating solid foods, absorb with straw, developmental delay to drink from a cup, incorporating new foods, difficulties chewing food, more rejections and pica behavior. Differences in recurrent infections or gastrointestinal disorders were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Children and adolescents suffering from autistic disorders have more alterations in the development of the feeding area that their siblings. These alterations do not correspond to a higher frequency of gastrointestinal disorders and allergies

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