Food and behavior profile of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in city of Ouro Preto/MG

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Autism symptoms may include delayed language development, difficulty making eye contact, repetitive movements or behaviors, and sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary and behavioral profile of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in city of Ouro Preto/MG. For this, the medical records of 11 children/young people assisted by the Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional (APAE) and the Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSij) in Ouro Preto/MG were evaluated. In addition, the responses obtained by parents and/or guardians about the dietary and behavioral profile of these individuals assisted by the institutions were evaluated using a questionnaire. The results were analyzed using word clouds and frequency analysis. In view of this, it is concluded that the dietary profile of children/young people with ASD is marked by food selectivity and that the main sensory aspect related to selectivity is texture, and that the foods most consumed by this group are industrialized foods, sugary foods and foods with low nutritional value. The least consumed are vegetables and fruits. In addition, the overload of mothers of children/young people with ASD was evident, being related to the great dependence of individuals on the mother.