Autism Therapy: feeding problems

definition of feeding problems: Difficulties related to eating foods. Feeding problems may include picky eating, swallowing problems, or chewing problems.

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Treatment Outcomes for Severe Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behavior Modification, by Laud, RB, Girolami PA, Boscoe JH, and Gulotta CS, published in 2009, summarized Jun 1, 2010

Children with autism who have feeding problems may be helped by an interdisciplinary feeding program.

Feeding problems are a pattern of eating that is not normal and causes social or health problems for the patient. The purpose of this study was to see if a feeding program was able to help 46 children with autism who had feeding problems. The children (aged 3 to 12 years) in the study received intense behavior therapy and oral motor therapy. The authors found the program to be a success based upon one follow-up data point for each child. While the program was able to help the children, the authors note that these children had severe feeding issues and were part of a feeding disorders program.


The Treatment of Food Selectivity and Other Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Matson, JL, and Fodstad JC, published in 2009, summarized May 20, 2009

Children with autism may benefit from screening for feeding problems and treatment of any problems that exist.

Children with autism often have feeding problems and these feeding problems can be severe. While feeding problems may be severe, few therapists look closely at and work on feeding problems. This review article describes the current state of the field with respect to feeding problems in children with autism. The authors suggest that all children with autism be screened for feeding problems. Behavior based interventions such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy may be helpful in treating feeding problems.


Assessment and Behavioral Treatment of Feeding and Sleeping Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clin N Am, by Kodak, T., and Piazza CC, published in 2008, summarized Jan 27, 2009

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) may be used to treat feeding and sleep problems that may be seen in children with autism.

Many children with autism have sleeping and feeding problems. Many children with autism have rigid mealtime routines and will only eat certain foods. This article reviews treatment options for these behavior problems. ABA therapy may be quite helpful because it focuses on certain behaviors and works to change those behaviors for the better. ABA may also be useful because it focuses on behaviors that can measured and so progress can be tracked.


Childhood Autism, Feeding Problems and Failure to Thrive in Early Infancy: Seven Case Studies
Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, by Keen, DV, published in 2008, summarized Oct 13, 2008

Early feeding therapy may be able to improve autism in children at risk for autism.

There are few articles that describe the feeding problems that are common in children with autism. This review article describes early feeding problems and failure to thrive in children who go on to have autism. The author suggests that there is a connection between growth, feeding problems, and problems with brain development. When young children have feeding problems that persist, then they may be at risk for autism. The author suggests that there is a need for a novel therapeutic approach to early feeding problems in children who may be at risk for autism.


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    • Synonyms for feeding problems include: chewing problem, picky eating, swallowing problem
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