Feeding Problems, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Challenging Behavior and Sensory Issues in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Geraldine Leader, Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. geraldine.leader@nuigalway.ie.
Elaine Tuohy, Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
June L. Chen, Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
Arlene Mannion, Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Shawn P. Gilroy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.

Abstract

Frequency of feeding problems, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, challenging behavior, sensory problems and comorbid psychopathology were assessed using the following questionnaires: Screening Tool for Feeding Problems for Children, GI Symptoms Inventory, Behavior Problems Inventory Short Form, Short Sensory Profile, and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Comorbidity Child (ASD-CC) in 136 children and adolescents with ASD. Eighty-four percent had food selectivity, followed by food refusal (78.7%), rapid eating (76.5%), chewing problems (60.3%), food stealing (49.3%) and vomiting (19.1%). Higher rates of GI symptoms, challenging behavior, and sensory issues were found in those who presented with rapid eating, food refusal and food stealing than those without these problems. Comorbid psychopathology predicted rapid eating, food selectivity and food refusal.