Food Selectivity and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guidelines for Assessment and Treatment

Studies show that up to 72% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have feeding difficulties (Schreck, Williams, & Smith, 2004). Children with ASD often display food selectivity, defined as the consumption of a severely limited diet in terms of variety and nutrition. Food selectivity is problematic because it can lead to learning and behavior problems. If left untreated, children with food selectivity also may suffer from malnutrition, unnecessary weight gain, or other health problems (e.g., constipation, obesity). Food selectivity also leads to reported caregiver (e.g., teachers, parents) stress and anxiety, given that caregivers often must make special meals or manage problem behavior every time they attempt to present novel foods. Fortunately, we now have data to show that treatments based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) are highly effective (Volkert & Piazza, 2012). In this paper, we will review an overall progression for assessment and treatment of food selectivity in children with ASD.