Linking Dietary Patterns to Autism Severity and Developmental Outcomes: A Correlational Study Using Food Frequency Questionnaires; The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition; And Developmental Profile 3.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD often exhibit selective eating habits that may result in nutritional deficiencies and exacerbate developmental issues. While food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are effective for dietary assessment, the links between food preferences, ASD severity, and developmental outcomes remain underexplored, particularly in Bulgaria. This study examines these relationships using validated tools. Methods: The present report constitutes a pilot, hypothesis-generating substudy of the broader NutriLect project. This substudy involved 49 children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with ASD. Dietary patterns were evaluated with a modified FFQ, while ASD

SUBMITTER: Marinov D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12108826 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature