Assessment Methods for Problematic Eating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Miji Lee; Seolha Lee; Jong-Woo Sohn; Ki Woo Kim; Hyung Jin Choi

doi:10.5765/jkacap.230065

Assessment Methods for Problematic Eating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak. 2024 Jan 1;35(1):57-65. doi: 10.5765/jkacap.230065.

Authors

Miji Lee¹, Seolha Lee¹, Jong-Woo Sohn², Ki Woo Kim³, Hyung Jin Choi^{1

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Affiliations

¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
² Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea.
³ Division of Physiology, Departments of Oral Biology and Applied Life Science, BK21 Four, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
⁴ Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
⁵ Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
⁶ Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, Korea.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be associated with eating problems. However, currently, there is a lack of established guidelines for assessing and addressing eating behaviors in individuals with ASD. This gap in research exists due to the challenges associated with using traditional assessment methods, which may lead to discrepancies in responses and unintentional potential biases from caregivers. In this review, we provided a comprehensive overview of various eating behaviors commonly observed in individuals with ASD. These behaviors include 1) food neophobia, 2) selective eating, 3) binge eating, 4) food avoidance, 5) chewing and swallowing problems, 6) pica, 7) rumination, 8) rituals, and 9) problematic behaviors. Furthermore, we provide a perspective of utilizing digital tools: 1) augmentative and alternative communication; 2) ecological momentary assessment; and 3) video analysis, behavioral analysis, and facial expression analysis. This review explores existing assessment methods and suggests novel assessment aiding together.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Deep learning; Eating disorder; Telemedicine.