Autistic children may have eating issues

Children with autism are five times more likely than other kids 

to have feeding issues, such as being especially picky eaters 

or having ritualistic behaviours or extreme tantrums during 

meals according to a new research.

These problems can lead to deficiencies in calcium, protein 

and other nutrients.

Healthy eating promotes a child's growth and development, 

and mealtimes provide important opportunities for children to 

socialize. Chronic feeding troubles increase a child's risk for 

problems such as malnutrition, poor growth, social difficulties 

and poor school performance.

The researchers added that there is growing evidence that 

feeding problems and dietary patterns among children with 

autism may put them at increased risk for long-term health 

problems such as poor bone growth, obesity and 

cardiovascular disease.

It not only highlights the importance of assessing mealtime 

concerns as part of routine health care screenings, but also 

suggests the need for greater focus on diet and nutrition in the 

autism community.

According to researchers, despite the risk of long-term medical 

issues, feeding problems often are overlooked in relation to 

other areas of concern in the autism population.