The odds of having obesity in Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorders is higher than stunting compared to healthy developing peers: a national survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The nutritional status and growth of children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is influenced significantly by two factors; food selectivity behaviors due to their consumption of a limited variety of food and the high incidence of gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the nutritional adequacy and growth pattern of ASD children aged three to twelve years compared to their healthy developing peers.

Methods

A national comparative, facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight Egyptian governorates on 285 Egyptian children diagnosed with ASD and 224 children who are their relatives as healthy developing peers. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, including weight, height, head circumference, and mid-upper arm ci

SUBMITTER: M Metwally A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11264811 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature