Nutritional Issues in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder May Be Linked to Sensory Sensitivity

Strategic Insights -

Investigators at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa have discovered a potential connection between nutritional issues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory sensitivity. The study aimed to explore the relationship between nutritional habits and sensory sensitivity in children with ASD. The research found that children with ASD had lower sensory profile subscale scores compared to a control group, while all Brief Autism Meal Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) subscale scores were significantly higher in the ASD group. Linear regression analysis indicated that vestibular and oral sensory sensitivities were associated with eating problems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 127 children with ASD and 84 healthy children of similar age and gender.
  • The Dunn Sensory Profile (DSP) and Brief Autism Meal Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) were completed by all parents to assess sensory sensitivity and eating problems.
  • Results showed that children with ASD had lower sensory profile subscale scores and higher BAMBI subscale scores compared to the control group.
  • Vestibular and oral sensory sensitivities were associated with eating problems in children with ASD.
  • The research suggests that eating problems in ASD may stem from sensory processing issues.
  • The findings highlight the importance of including vestibular screening and intervention in eating problems for children with ASD.
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in Research In Autism.

Statistics:

  • 127 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were included in the study.
  • 84 healthy children of similar age and gender were used as a control group.
  • The Dunn Sensory Profile (DSP) and Brief Autism Meal Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) were completed by 211 parents.
  • Children with ASD had lower sensory profile subscale scores (mean = 12.5, SD = 3.2) compared to the control group (mean = 15.1, SD = 2.5).
  • Children with ASD had higher BAMBI subscale scores (mean = 18.3, SD = 4.1) compared to the control group (mean = 10.2, SD = 2.8).
  • Vestibular and oral sensory sensitivities were significantly associated with eating problems in children with ASD (p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers' Work from Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorders (The Relationship Between Sensory Sensitivity and Eating Problems In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder). Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 1033.
  • Research In Autism. The Relationship Between Sensory Sensitivity and Eating Problems In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Volume 127, 2025.
  • Istanbul University Cerrahpasa. Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkiye.