Author Information
Jewale Apon, Sikkim University, IndiaSumnima Rai, Sikkim University, India
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children faces challenges across a broad spectrum of developmental, cognitive, and behavioural variations, and amid the challenges associated with ASD, feeding problems appear to be of particular significance. Aim: To examine the relationship between sensory sensitivity and feeding difficulties among children with ASD. Method: A total of 202 parents with children aged between 6 to 12 having ASD were considered. Tools used were socio-demographic datasheet, Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviour Inventory (BAMBI) for checking feeding problems and Short Sensory Profile (SSP) for sensory sensitivity. SPSS version 27 was used to conduct Pearson's correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The study found a significant negative correlation between taste/Smell and limited variety, features of autism, and BAMBI overall score. A significant negative correlation was also found between under responsiveness/seeks sensation and features of autism, food refusal and BAMBI overall score. Auditory filtering was found to have a significant negative correlation with features of autism, food refusal and BAMBI overall score. A significant negative correlation was present between visual/auditory and food refusal, limited variety, features of autism and BAMBI overall score. In hierarchical multiple regression by controlling the gender and age of the child, taste/smell and visual/auditory sensitivity were significant predictors of feeding problems. Conclusion: The results indicate that sensory sensitivity among children with ASD can contribute to mealtime behaviour issues. As a result, studying the link between sensory sensitivity and feeding difficulties in children with ASD may aid in developing early intervention strategies.
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