Association between feeding/mealtime behavior problems and internalizing/externalizing problems in autism spectrum disorder, other neurodevelopmental disorders and typically developing children

BACKGROUND: The aim of current study was to examine the nature and prevalence of feeding problems and mealtime behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comparing to children with other neurodevelopmental disorders (NNDs) and TD children. We also investigated the impact of intelligence quotient (IQ) and/or emotional and behavioral problems on feeding and mealtime behavior problems.METHODS: Participants completed the following tests: Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Child BehaviorRESULTS: Children with ASD showed more feeding and mealtime behavior problems including food refusal (P<0.001, P<0.001) and limited variety of foods (P=0.014; P=0.018) compared with NDDs and TD children. ASD group showed more problems in mealtime behavior (P=0.034) and parent behaviors (P=0.028) compared to TD group. Internalizing (P=0.003) and externalizing (P=0.008) problems were positively related to parent frustration during mealtime in ASD CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that routine screening for feeding and mealtime behavior problems among children with ASD is necessary to prevent dietary inadequacies that may be associated with eating habits.(Cite this article as: Craig F, De Giacomo A, Operto FF, Margari M, Trabacca A, Margari L. Association between feeding/ mealtime behavior problems and internalizing/externalizing problems in autism spectrum disorder, other neurodevelopmental disorders and typically developing children. Minerva Pediatr 2023;75:536-43. DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5276.19.05371-4)