Evaluation of nutritional status and gastrointestinal problems of children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and gatrointestinal problems of children with ASD. The study was held in Nilüfer İlk Bursa Special Education and Rehabilitation Center on 50 autistic children, 4-18 years age. Demographic characteristics of children and families, gastrointestinal problems, frequents of food consumption and three-day eating records of children were performed by a questionnaire. The data set was analyzed with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17.0 software. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined using a nutrition information system (BEBİS) student version with the three-day eating records. The most frequent gastrointestinal problems were postprandial bloating (40%), abdominal pain (38%) and soft or loose defecation (32%). A total of 54% children never consumed milk. Energy, fiber and calcium intakes of all age groups were below the daily recommended levels. Due to the fact that chlidren with ASD are risk for nutritional defiences, their nutrition should be followed up and their families should be aware of the benefits of nutritional therapy.