Estado nutricional y hábitos alimentarios de niños con autismo pertenecientes a la Asociación ADACAPIA y al Centro de Desarrollo Infantil de la Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 2022

Abstract

Background: Autistic children present a particular food consumption, could affect the quality and variety of their diet. In addition, food selectivity causes rejection or preference for specific foods. Also, it is physiological alterations can cause food allergies, generating gastrointestinal symptoms. Objective: Relate the nutritional status and eating habits in children with autism belonging to the Association ADACAPIA and the Development Center of the University of Cuenca, Cuenca 2022. Methodology: Observational, quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, in 26 children with ASD. Data collection through a survey divided into: food frequency, gastrointestinal symptomatology and food selectivity. The data was analyzed in IBM SPSS v21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Presentation of results in graphs and tables of single and double entry. Application of Pearson's Chi-square statistic, for association of variables. Results: 46,05% of participants presented malnutrition, 26,90% of whom were overweight and 11,55% were obese. Regular (69,23%), bad (26,92%) and good (3,85%) eating habits were established. No relationship was found between nutritional status and eating habits. In addition, casein consumption generated diarrhea in 26,92% and flatulence in 7,3%, gluten caused constipation in 38,46%. In food selectivity and organoleptic characteristics, the preferred liquid textures (53,84%), food rejection due to strong odors (61,54%), affinity for foods with warm colors (43,13%) and cold temperatures (42,30%). Conclusions: Although no association was found between nutritional status and eating habits, a relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and consumption of neurotoxic substances was evidenced. Organoleptic characteristics influenced the food selectivity.