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Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as by stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Children with autism frequently have significant eating difficulties with highly restricted range of food choices. Eating habits and patterns are often unusual and have an impact on family life. The purpose of this article was to review pertinent information regarding this complex developmental disorder and describe a recent study based on a parent survey of feeding patterns in children with autism to give a new perspective for both parents and professionals.
Autism is a relatively common developmental disorder diagnosed clinically on the basis of pervasive and qualitative impairments in communication, social interaction, and range of interests and activities. Current prevalence is estimated at 1:1,000, with autism identified four times more commonly in males than females (National Institute of Health, 1995). While the specific etiology for autism is unknown, its neurobiologic nature is well-established (Gillberg & Coleman, 1992). Features that support a neurobiologic basis include increased frequency of seizures in individuals with autism; mental retardation in 50 to 70% of individuals; evidence of genetic predisposition with recurrence risk of 3 to 7%; and associated sensorimotor deficits (e.g., hypotonia, toe-walking, motor stereotypes, and sensory integration difficulties) (Bailey, Phillips, & Butter, 1996). In approximately 10% of cases, autism has been associated with other medical or genetic conditions including fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, metabolic disorders, fetal rubella syndrome, hemophilus influenza meningitis, and structural brain abnormalities (Butter, Bailey, Bolton, & LeCouteur, 1994). Research into the etiology of autism is currently focused on the areas of genetics, immunology, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry.
Many children with autism are first diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 4 years using clinical criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Speech and language delay is often the presenting problem; children with autism generally have difficulty with both verbal and nonverbal communication (Rapin, 1991). Some children never develop speech; others develop speech but exhibit marked impairments in their ability to initiate and sustain conversation. They also may engage in stereotyped or repetitive language. While communication problems are often a chief concern, the underlying core deficit in autism. is believed to...