FOOD AND AUTISM

INFLUENCE OF PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON DIETARY STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Objective: To present and discuss literature findings regarding the importance of parents and caregivers in shaping the eating patterns of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Method: Integrative literature review that analyzed articles published from 2018-2023. A survey was carried out in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Science Direct databases. The search used the controlled descriptors Autism Spectrum Disorder, healthy eating and food selectivity, in Portuguese, Spanish and English, with the boolean operators AND and OR. Original articles and literature reviews were included, made available in full for free. Duplicate articles, academic works, abstracts published in annals, experience reports, as well as articles that did not relate the topic of autism and nutrition were excluded. The material was analyzed through thematic content analysis. Results: 11 articles were analyzed. The articles corroborate that children with ASD have a diverse diet with their own eating patterns, which can be influenced by social, biological and environmental factors. Such factors combined with the presence of parents and caregivers in the daily routine of children with ASD are decisive in defining consumption and eating patterns acquired throughout life. Sensory sensitivity affects a child with autism's interest in certain foods, compromising food intake and resulting in a lack of appetite, often attributed to the appearance of the preparations, color and texture of the food. Conclusion: Encouraging family members to change eating habits can improve the adherence of children and adolescents with ASD to certain foods. The way in which these foods are presented is a key element for good total or partial acceptance of the preparation.