Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN) is pleased to announce the release of its latest tool kit: Exploring Feeding Behavior in Autism: A Parent's Guide.
Some researchers estimate that over half of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have some sort of issue with food. These feeding issues can be of significant concern to parents because they might impact their child’s health and wellbeing.
Written by medical experts, through their participation in the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), this free publication is designed to help families affected by autism understand eating behaviors, give guidance on how to address feeding issues and review some common questions that families have about eating problems.
Like all AS-ATN tool kits, this kit draws its recommendations from the experience of specialists and the evidence-based findings of research involving children and families dealing with autism.
Feeding can present a significant challenge for children with ASD and can be very stressful for the child and for the family. Overcoming feeding issues can be a long, slow journey, but it is well worth the reward of better health and food flexibility.
The guide answers questions such as:
- When should I be concerned?
- What can we do at home to help with feeding issues?
- How can I encourage my child to eat a wider variety of foods?
*This tool kit is the product of on-going activities of Autism Speaks’ Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN) in its role as the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P). The AIR-P is supported through cooperative agreement UA3 MC 11054 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Research Program to the Massachusetts General Hospital.