A Mixed-Methods Study to Examine Dietary Intake of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Parental Perspectives on Nutrition in Florida

Abstract

This study aimed to examine dietary nutrient intake and parental perspectives on nutrition in a diverse sample (e.g., age, ethnicity) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Florida. Forty-one parents of children with ASD (aged 2–17 years) completed a food record, and 25 of these parents participated in semi-structured focus groups. Children with ASD were significantly less likely to meet the recommendation for calcium compared with children in the general population (66.7% vs. 53.1%, odds ratio [OR] = 3.1; p = .002). Riboflavin and vitamin B12 intakes were significantly lower among children with ASD ( p < .001). Focus group results indicated parental concerns on children’s diet and mealtime behaviors. Parents discussed the quality of existing nutrition information to be a concern, reported wanting intervention content on effective feeding strategies and healthy eating specific to children with ASD, and wanted to receive a nutrition intervention in multiple delivery formats. These findings will be utilized in developing a nutrition education intervention.