The relationship of children's feeding problems to core symptoms of autism and PDD-NOS

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), are characterized by adherence to routines and ritualistic behaviors. Previous research has demonstrated multiple feeding problems with children with ASD such as food selectivity. While the extent of these problem behaviors is well documented in the literature, efforts have not been made to assess these behaviors briefly and at a young age. In the present study, 279 children with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), atypical and typical development were evaluated with respect to their current behavior regarding food. The nature and implications of these data with respect to the characteristics of ASD, as well as, assessment of feeding behaviors in children with ASD are discussed.