Emphasizing nutritional problems and intervention in children with autism spectrum disorder

YI Mingji; YANG Zhaochuan

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-1473

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (1) : 13-17. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-1473

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Emphasizing nutritional problems and intervention in children with autism spectrum disorder

YI Mingji, YANG Zhaochuan

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a high prevalence, causing serious harm to physical and mental health in children and parents, as well as some social problems. Notable advancements have been made in early identification, diagnosis, and comprehensive intervention of ASD, but its nutritional issues still warrant further exploration and attention. Researches have found that children with ASD often experience more severe nutritional problems in recent years, which involve breastfeeding, complementary foods and dietary behavior. These nutritional problems impact growth and development of children, and may be related to core symptoms of ASD. Scientific management of these nutritional issues, including behavior intervention, individualized dietary prescriptions and nutritional supplementation, plays an important role in improving the intervention efficacy and prognosis of children with ASD. To better improve the nutritional issues of children with ASD, routine nutritional assessment is recommended during the diagnosis and treatment of ASD, placing increased focus on the causes and risk factors of nutritional problems in children with ASD, and giving comprehensive intervention in their nutritional problems.

Key words

autism spectrum disorder / nutritional status / eating behavior / behavioral intervention

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YI Mingji, YANG Zhaochuan. Emphasizing nutritional problems and intervention in children with autism spectrum disorder[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(1): 13-17 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-1473

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