The risk of eating disorders for children with autism

Eating problems in children often occur, whether it's a reduced appetite or a tendency to be picky about food. Recently there has been research that has revealed the risk of eating disorders in children with autism. What puts a child with autism more at risk?

The risk of eating disorders in children with autism

Child eating and nutrition are the most frequently discussed topics among parents, especially those who have recently had children. Starting from how to feed children properly and what needs to be considered during growth.

Parents may already be familiar with the eating problems that their children often experience. It is not uncommon for them to see doctors and child nutritionists to consult to find a way out of this problem.

Eating disorders are also not a new problem for parents of children with autism. In fact, children with autism are said to be able to develop conditions that are more severe than other children.

According to research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry autism can be a risk factor for developing eating disorders. The study involved 5,381 adolescents who also participated in a study from the University of Bristol's Children in the 90s.

In this study, the experts tried to see whether the participants had social characteristics with autism at the ages of 7, 11, 14 and 16 years. That age was then compared with eating disorders at age 14, such as overeating and long-term dieting.

The experts also analyzed the autistic traits reported by the participants' mothers. Therefore, this study also included children who may not exhibit the nature of autism and those who are not diagnosed.

The result, 11.2 percent of girls reported having undergone irregular eating patterns in the previous year. 7.3 percent of them experience it every month and the remaining 3.9 percent every week. This figure is greater than boys with a percentage of 3.6 percent.

Adolescents with eating disorders show higher rates of autism at age seven. This suggests that the nature of autism can be a factor in why they don't eat regularly and can develop an eating disorder risk.

Difficulty in communicating could be the cause

The study, which was conducted by a team from the University of College London, did not actually find out what causes eating disorders to be at risk for children with autism. However, experts found that communication difficulties could be the cause.

Children with autism who have difficulty communicating usually have a harder time making friends. This actually increases the risk of depression and anxiety at a young age. This emotional problem can also lead to eating problems that interfere with the health of the child.

In addition, autistic traits such as difficulty thinking and unusual sensory processes can also be associated with eating disorders.

You see, eating is an activity that requires certain stages. For example, when children bite into yogurt, they need to first take the spoon, dip it in the yogurt, and into their mouth.

This stage turns out to be not easy even for normal children. Moreover, when there are pieces of fruit or food with varying textures, they need to identify them and decide whether to chew them or not.

For children with autism who have problems with thinking, it may be more difficult to carry out these stages of eating. As a result, most of them choose to eat little or nothing because they find it difficult to carry out the eating process.

However, researchers need further research to find out what causes eating disorders to be more at risk for children with autism.

Tips for overcoming eating disorders in children with autism

In fact, researchers need to know in advance what causes children with autism to be more at risk of developing eating disorders. That way, they can analyze steps to prevent this problem from arising.

According to dr. William Mandy, one of the contributors to this study, about one fifth of women who suffer from anorexia have a high degree of autism. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that current eating disorder treatments do not work as well in these women.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that children with autism with eating disorders may need a different approach.

Consult an expert

Although there has not been found a truly effective way to treat eating disorders in children with autism, it never hurts to consult a doctor. Most children with mild to moderate eating problems usually do better when on an outpatient basis with a behavioral therapist.

Apart from behavioral therapy, children with autism can also see a doctor to consult about speaking and communication problems. That way, the doctor may be able to see clues about the cause of the eating disorder that is occurring.

Generally, speech therapists can treat motor problems in children with autism. They can also help children strengthen their jaw muscles and muscles that function to move the tongue, bite, chew, and eat other activities.

This is so that children can use equipment and make movements that involve eating. Starting from posture when eating to wearing eating aids that help the motor functions involved when getting food from plate to mouth.

Encourage children to eat healthy habits

Encouraging children to do healthy eating habits can be an alternative to help people with autism overcome their eating disorders.

Parents can ask their children to try at least one bite of the food they like every time they eat. This may help increase the child's appetite and add seasonings such as tomato sauce can be done.

You can also cut food into small pieces that make it easier for your child to chew. In addition, parents can also be involved when guiding the child to put the spoon into the mouth by placing your hand on top of the child's hand. Then, provide support when the child succeeds in receiving the food.

In some cases, parents and caregivers may occasionally eliminate foods they may not like. However, this does not mean that children will continue to choose other foods on their plate. That way, children can recognize and start trying new foods outside of their favorite foods.