The relationship with sensory profile and nutritional status, sleep status in children with autism spectrum disorder

This study aims to correlate the nutritional status and sleep status with the sensory profile in children with autism spectrum disorder. Participants included 30 children with autism spectrum disorders between the ages of 3-10 and 30 children with normal development in the same age group. In order to evaluate the nutritional status of both groups, 24-hour food consumption record, Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire and Behavior Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) were used. In addition, in order to evaluate the sleep durability between the two groups, the Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire was used to compare the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) and sensory processing with nutrition and sleep status. Anthropometric measurements of the children in both groups were taken and the data were compared. The mean BMI-Z score of the children with autism spectrum disorder was higher than those with normal development, while the right hand 2D: 4D ratio and the left hand 2D: 4D ratio were lower (p <0.05). The total score and the total problem score of the children with autism spectrum disorder were higher than those of normal children (p <0.001). Sensory Profile According to the data from the Caregiver Survey, children with autism experience more sensory processing problems than their peers with normal development. BPFAS total score and CSHQ total score were found to be higher in children who had probable difference and difference in sensory processing. Children with autism who live more than their peers with normal eding and sleep problems should be tested by specialist therapists in terms of sensory processing and children with sensory sensitivities should be evaluated with a multidisciplinary approach to improve nutritional problems. Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, nutritional status, sleep status, sensory profile