Weight Status, Dietary Intake, and Mealtime Behaviour Among Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition is one of the important contributors to the well-being of children with disability. Given the various data on the nutritional status of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children, it is imperative to conduct a detailed nutritional assessment of the local population. This study compares ASD with typical developing (TD) children to determine the weight status and association of mealtime behavior with dietary intake in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A total of 106 children aged five to nine years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic were assessed through self-administered questionnaires. The body weight and height were collected; the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A three-day food record and a Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) data were obtained from the caretakers. Results: More than one-third (39%) of the ASD children were overweight or obese compared to TD children (23%). However, there is a significant difference (X2=10.29, p=0.03) when TD children were categorized as stunted and severely stunted. Meanwhile, the total energy intake was statistically significant (X2=9.53, p=0.008). The majority (88.2%) of ASD children experience problems in mealtime behavior characteristically limited food acceptance with a mean score of (28.78±6.80). Mealtime behavior was not associated with energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat when the p>0.05. Conclusion: Even though there was no association of mealtime behavior with dietary intake, the BMI was significantly influenced by excessive daily calorie consumption. Because of growth parameters influence physical development, nutritional intervention program should be carried out in order to improve nutritional status of AS children.