Parental stress, parental feeding styles, and child nutrient intake among families of young children with autism
Date
2019
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive behavior, interests, or activities. Parents of children with ASD experience higher levels of stress compared to parents of children with typical development (TD) and other developmental disabilities (DD). Among parents of TD children, high parental stress is associated with parental feeding styles , and in turn, certain parental feeding styles are associated with poor child diet and nutrient intake. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among parental stress, parental feeding styles , and nutrient intake of children with ASD. ☐ Parents of children at least three years old but less than seven years old, with and without ASD were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed one study visit to the Energy Balance and Nutrition Laboratory where they completed questionnaires related to parental feeding styles , feeding practices, child mealtime behaviors, parental stress, and adaptive behaviors (only for children with ASD). Child diet and nutrient intake were assessed via a 3-day food record and child physical activity was assessed by a 24-hour physical activity form. ☐ The study received IRB approval in January 2019 and to date, seven children have completed the study, three of whom have ASD. Parental stress scores were higher among parents of children with ASD compared to parents with TD children (34.3±14 versus 25.2±12.2, respectively). With respect to parental feeding styles, among parents of children with ASD, two were classified as having an authoritative feeding style and one was classified as having an indulgent feeding style. Among parents of TD children, three parents were classified as having an authoritative feeding style and one parent was classified as having an indulgent feeding style. Children with ASD had higher saturated fat (16.1±12.7 g/d) and lower fiber intake (14.8±7.6 g/d) compared to TD children whose intake of these nutrients were 14.9±13.0 g/d and 16.8±6.9g/d, respectively. ☐ Given the small sample size, we are underpowered to test the original aims of study and instead provide descriptive data on all outcomes. The study continues to enroll subjects and the study aims will be tested when the goal sample size (N=150) is achieved.