Child Autistic Traits, Food Selectivity, and Diet Quality: A Population-Based Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) tend to be selective in their food intake, which may compromise their diet quality. While ASD diagnoses capture severe levels of impairment, autistic traits vary on a continuum throughout the population. Yet, little is known about how autistic traits relate to diet quality at the population level.

Objectives

This study examines the association between autistic traits in early childhood and diet quality in mid-childhood and explores the mediating role of food selectivity.

Methods

Participants were children (n = 4092) from the population-based Generation R Study. Parents reported their child's autistic traits at 1.5, 3, and 6 years; food selectivity at 4 years; and food intake at 8 years, from which a diet qualit

SUBMITTER: Harris HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8891181 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature