The effect of feeding disorder due to sensory processing on the occupational performance of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional study

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of sensory processing-related feeding disorder on the ocupational performance (OP) of children with ASD. 36 children with ASD (5.89 ± 2.36 years) participated. DUNN Sensory Profile (DDP) was used to identify malnutrition in children. BAMBI was used to assess mealtime behaviors. SCOPE was used to determine children's OPs. The children's mean score of DDP (oral sensitivity) is 23.53 ± 4.96. The SCOPE's average is 66.56 ±16.07. The children's BAMBI average is 55.11±10.64. A negative low level relationship was found between the Endurance subscale score in DDP and the SCOPE willpower and habit subscale. A positive low level relationship was found between the DDP inattention subscale score and the SCOPE scale communication score. There is a positive low level relationship between the DDP sensory sensitivity score and the SCOPE motor subscale. A negative low level relationship was found between the DDP immobility subscale and the SCOPE volition subscale. A negative low level relationship was observed between the DDP input seeking subscale score and the BAMBI food rejection subscale score. A negative low level relationship was determined between the DDP Vestibular Processing subscale score and the BAMBI food rejection subscale score. A negative low level relationship was found between the BAMBI food variety limitation subscale score and the SCOPE scale habit, communication, processing, motor and scale total score. A low level relationship was found between the BAMBI total score and the SCOPE scale communication, processing, motor and total score. It has been found that oral sensory processing and behavioral emotional responses at mealtime are the most important factors affecting oral sensitivity. It was also found that the most important factors affecting BAMBI are OP and gender. The children's feeding problems negatively affected their OP. Key Words: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Feeding Problem, Eating Disorder, DUNN Sensory Profile, SCOPE