Avaliação do comportamento alimentar e perfil nutricional de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) na infância: uma revisão da literatura.

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder capable of affecting mainly the individual's social interaction, promoting dietary changes, which may be able to modify the nutritional status. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the eating behavior and nutritional profile of children with ASD. The research was carried out through a search for national and international articles, using descriptors for the search, as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection of the final sample. It was evaluated that the main behavior related to the feeding of autistic children is food selectivity, being associated with sensori-oral changes. Among the main macronutrients consumed by this public are carbohydrates and lipids, due to a greater preference for processed or fried foods, since the sensory characteristics of these products are more attractive. As for the nutritional profile, obesity and overweight were predominant. In addition, most autistic children have some gastrointestinal problem such as diarrhea, constipation, dysphagia and intestinal dysbiosis. Knowing this, it is clear that it is of great importance to understand the eating behavior of children with ASD, in order to identify possible nutritional deficiencies, as well as elucidate the nutritional profile. In addition, investigate the gastrointestinal signs, as they are indicators of possible pathologies and hypovitaminosis.