Research from Italy has found higher rates of obesity in children under 7 years old with autism, compared to non-autistic children.
There have been a range of issues related to nutritional intake described in children diagnosed with autism including difficulties surrounding mealtimes, food selectivity and food neophobia. These issues may limit the quantity and variety of food intake for autistic children, and lead to potential consequent negative health effects of malnutrition.
As behaviours around dietary intake may be highly influenced by age, understanding weight status and adequacy of dietary intake for preschool children with autistic behaviours in Australia could help inform tailored and evidence informed supports to optimise nutrition.
The aim of the Preschool ASD & Nutrition sub-project is to understand nutrition status in preschool children on the spectrum by using carer-reported food intake and physical measurements of preschool children with carer-reported concerns of autistic behaviours.
To examine this, researchers will seeking to answer the following questions to understand the macronutrient and micronutrient levels of these children:
- Does body mass index of preschool children differ with more and less autistic behaviours?
- Does body composition of preschool children differ with more or less autistic behaviours?
- Does serum iron levels of preschool children differ with more or less autistic behaviours?
- Does dietary intake of food groups of preschool children differ with more or less autistic behaviours?
The long-term goal for this research will be to support evidence for early supports for autistic children and families, ultimately aiming to improve their well-being and quality of life.
Investigators
- Dr Siu Min Tay at The Kids Research Institute Australia and Edith Cowan University
- Associate Professor Rae-Chi Huang at The Kids Research Institute Australia and Edith Cowan University
- Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan at The Kids Research Institute Australia and Edith Cowan University
- Dr Gail Alvares at The Kids Research Institute Australia