Assessment of feeding problems in children with autism spectrum disorder

• We examined feeding behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder using semi-structured mealtime observations, and standardized measures of feeding.
• Autism severity predicted scores on the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), as well as the amount of time during a meal a child engaged in negative vocalizations.
• The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) predicted behavior observed during the meal, but the BAMBI did not, indicating that the FFQ is a better measure of feeding difficulties than the BAMBI.
• Parent coaxing behavior negatively related to the percentage of foods consumed during the meal.
• Children with ASD were reported by their parents to have a narrower diet than all other members of the household.

There is growing, but inconsistent, literature on feeding problems for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The purposes of this study were to (a) investigate the relation of feeding problems to autism severity, (b) assess the validity of parent-report questionnaires widely used to assess feeding problems in terms of their relation to systematic behavior observations, and (c) determine the relation between child feeding behavior and family mealtime environment. Thirty-eight children and their parents participated in the study. Parents completed questionnaires, and both parents and children participated in mealtime observations. Results indicated that autism severity predicted scores on a measure of feeding problems as well as the duration of negative vocalizations during meal observations. Food Frequency Questionnaires better predicted behavior during meals than the Brief Mealtime Autism Behavior Inventory. Family environment alone did not explain feeding difficulties.