Nutrition Practices Reported by Families of Children with Down Syndrome, Autism, and Without an Intellectual or Developmental Disability.

OBJECTIVE

To examine nutrition practices among caregivers of young children with Down syndrome (DS), autistic children, and children without an intellectual or developmental disability (CWIDD).

METHODS

Caregivers of CWIDD (n = 98), with DS (n = 44), and autistic children (n = 42) completed an online survey of nutrition practices. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Families overall met < 40% of recommended nutrition practices, with families of children with DS meeting < 15%. Compared with families of autistic children and CWIDD, families of children with DS were less likely to serve vegetables or model healthy eating, and more likely to offer fried or prefried meats.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Disparities in nutrition practices and education across groups highlight the need for tailored interventions to support diverse families.