Malnutrition among preschool-aged autistic children in Oman

To assess prevalence of malnutrition indicators among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 Omani autistic children 3–5 years of age. Based on standardized z-scores, the overall prevalence of malnutrition was 9.2 per 100 preschool ASD children (95% CI 4.1, 11.6). The most common type of malnutrition was underweight (3.9; 95% CI 0.5, 7.3), followed by wasting (3.1; 95% CI 0.1, 6.1) and stunting (2.3; 95% CI 0.3, 5.0). Among boys, underweight and stunting were significantly higher than in girls, while wasting was more prevalent among girls. None of the participants showed evidence of overweight or obesity. The study indicates an overall tendency among autistic Omani children towards being malnourished.

► We assessed the prevalence of malnutrition indicators among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Oman.
► The overall prevalence of malnutrition among preschool ASD children was 9.2%.
► The most common type of malnutrition in order was underweight, wasting, and stunting.
► Underweight and stunting were more common among boys, while wasting was more prevalent among girls.
► ASD children in Oman have an overall tendency towards being malnourished.