[Eating behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder].

OBJECTIVE

To study atypical eating behavior (AEB) in various variants of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to determine the prognosis and therapeutic tactics.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

One hundred and eighty patients (110 girls, 70 boys), aged 2 to 5 years (mean age 4 years), with a diagnosis of «Childhood autism» (F84.02), «Atypical autism» (F84.1), «Asperger Syndrome» (F84.5) and the presence of AEB were examined.

RESULTS

Three clinical variants of ASD accompanied by AEB were identified: catatonic-regressive (n=75, 41%), catatonic (n=81, 45%) and hyperdynamic (n=24, 13%). The most pronounced AEB were in the catatonic-regressive variant, and the least in the hyperdynamic variant of ASD. The severity of AEB is associated with the severity of cognitive dysontogenesis.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of AEB are associated with the leading clinical syndrome of ASD. The severity of catatonia and regression affects the depth of AEB, which leads to secondary somatic disorders. Specialists of various profiles should participate in medical work for successful rehabilitation and prevention of somatic complications.