Early History, Mealtime Environment, and Parental Views on Mealtime and Eating Behaviors among Children with ASD in Florida.

This study was a cross-sectional study to examine problematic mealtime behaviors among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Florida. Forty-one parents completed a 48-item survey. The mean age of their children was 8.1 years and 73% were male. The data were divided and compared by age group: Ages 2⁻6, 7⁻11, and 12⁻17. Data from the 3- to 6-year-old children were extracted and compared with the references from Provost et al. (2010). There were age differences in eating difficulties at home ( p = 0.013), fast food restaurants ( p = 0.005), and at regular restaurants ( p = 0.016). The total mealtime behavior score was significantly higher in early childhood ( p < 0.001) and mid-childhood ( p = 0.005) than adolescents. More parents of ages 3⁻6 with ASD reported difficulties with breastfeeding ( p < 0.01); concerns about eating ( p < 0.001); difficulties related to mealtime locations ( p < 0.05), craving certain food ( p < 0.05), and being picky eaters ( p < 0.01) compared to typically developing children. The total mealtime behavior score was significantly higher in children with ASD than typically developing children ( p < 0.001). The results indicate that early childhood interventions are warranted and further research in adolescents is needed.