Dietary characteristics of children with the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders

Poremećaji autističnog spektra (PAS) mogu se manifestirati u obliku specifičnih prehrambenih obrazaca, a sastojci hrane nerijetko se stavljaju u vezu s pojavom i simptomima poremećaja. Cilj istraživanja bio je dobiti uvid u prehrambene preferencije i ponašanje djece s dijagnozom PAS s područja Hrvatske te iskustva i stavove njihovih roditelja o prehrambenim intervencijama kao vrsti terapije. Obuhvaćeno je 36 djece čiji su podaci sakupljeni putem pismenog upitnika i trodnevnog dnevnika prehrane koje su u njihovo ime ispunili roditelji. Indeks tjelesne mase djece imao je tendenciju nalaziti se u nepoželjnim percentilnim rasponima. Utvrđena je zavisnost između poteškoća prilikom hranjenja i prisutnosti gastrointestinalnih tegoba te između primjene prehrambene intervencije i stupnja obrazovanja majke. Provođenje prehrambene intervencije prijavilo je 53% roditelja. Zabilježen je viši unos ugljikohidrata, proteina i natrija te niži unos prehrambenih vlakana, vitamina D, E, K, folata, kolina i željeza u odnosu na preporuke.Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can manifest in form of specific dietary patterns. Also, food components are often being linked to the occurrence and symptoms of ASD. The aim of this research was to gain insight into dietary preferences and mealtime behavior of Croatian children with ASD as well as attitudes and experiences of their parents with dietary interventions as a form of therapy. 36 children took part in the research. Data were obtained through a written questionnaire and a three-day food record filled out by their parents. The body mass index of children tended to be in the inadequate percentile range. Feeding difficulties and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as mother’s education level and food intervention application demonstrated dependence. 53% of parents reported applying a dietary intervention. High intake of carbohydrate, protein and sodium and low intake of dietary fiber, vitamin D, E, K, folate, choline and iron were identified compared to recommendations