Mealtime behavior in autism spectrum disorder: A case report

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills and repetitive and restricted behaviors or interests. No exact cause has been determined that may be responsible for its occurrence. However, genetic and environmental factors could be responsible for this disorder. Autism spectrum disorder is one area where little research has been done regarding mealtime behavior and increasing prevalence of this disorder indicated a dire need to study this area. The study aimed to observe the mealtime behavior of 15-year-old adolescent boy during his mealtime and understanding the factors that might be responsible for the idiosyncratic mealtime behavior. Nonparticipatory observation method was used for about 1 month, and data were collected till the point of saturation, where the data collection process no longer offered any new or relevant data. Speech impairment, restricted interest, vestibular difficulties, interference, sensory issues, lack of social interest, and self-absorbed behavior were some of the factors that might be responsible for his idiosyncratic behavior during mealtimes. The study recommended that nutrition-based intervention programs must be initiated by the professionals as early as possible to minimize the effect of such factors during mealtime of people with autism spectrum disorder.