Perspectives Inaugural Issue (Winter 2013)

OT • FORT LAUDERDALE ABSTRACT Children with autism present with diffi- culties in areas of occupation such as play, learning, and self-care. Eating is an important occupation necessary for sur- vival, health, and independence. Disrup- tion of the occupation of eating/feeding by atypical food-related behaviors may be experienced by children with autism, which can impact both the child and the family. The occupational therapist may be called upon to facilitate successful partic- ipation in this occupation using evidence- based treatment approaches. The sensory integrative treatment ap- proach has been utilized by occupational therapists in the treatment of atypical food behaviors. This choice has been made based on two beliefs; the high per- centage of children with autism who dis- play symptoms of sensory processing deficits, and that the eating process re- quires adaptive responses to a variety of sensory stimuli. A review of the literature found that children with autism have been found to have atypical food-related behaviors and children with autism have sensory processing deficits. It has been hypothesized that there is a relationship between sensory processing and atypical food-related behaviors, but there is lim- ited research evidence in the literature. This research project will gather data on a sample of 30 male children with autism ages 3-6 from parent-completed questionnaires. The questionnaires will gather data on sensory responses (Sen- sory Experiences Questionnaire), adap- tive behavior level (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Daily Living Scale), child and parent mealtime behavior (Children Eat- ing Behavior Inventory) and food intake (GNA food frequency questionnaire). The data from these questionnaires will be analyzed and examined to determine if patterns of sensory responsivity exist that can predict food preferences and other atypical food-related behavior. In addition, the data will be examined to determine if atypical food-related behav- iors impact parent-child interactions dur- ing eating. The results of this study will guide the occupational therapist in choosing effective and evidence-based approaches to the treatment of the child’s food-related behaviors and in ef- fectively altering any negative effects that these behaviors might have on the parent-child relationship. Results of the study will be disseminated through publications and presentations at professional conferences. The results of the study could be helpful to professionals treating children with autism in maximiz- ing the children’s ability to eat a variety of food and enjoy the eating process. The aim of this pilot study is to increase the understanding of food-related behaviors in children with autism. The results of this study will guide the occupational therapist in choosing effective and evidence-based approaches to the treatment of the child’s food-related behaviors and in fostering in- creased participation in the occupation of eating.The specific goals related to this aim are as follows: • describe the sensory responses of children with autism as related to food-related behaviors • describe the patterns of sensory responsivity that may be associated with food choices and other food-related behaviors • describe the impact of food-related behaviors on the parent-child interactions during the eating/feeding process Previous research has established that children with autism have atypical food- related behaviors, and their diets are nu- tritionally deficient (Bandini, 2010; Schreck, 2006). Treatment of the atypical food-related behaviors of children with autism has had mixed results, and these problems persist into adulthood. In- creased understanding of this problem could lead to an improved treatment ap- proach that would foster increased partic- ipation in the occupation of eating, improved nutrition, and improved health for children with autism. Research Spotlight Title: “Sensory Responsivity and Food Selectivity in Children with Autism” Primary Investigator: Sonia F. Kay, Ph.D, OTR/L, Assistant Professor Site: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida