Dietary intake, growth, and other characteristics in children with autism

To determine which autistic characteristics may relate to nutritional intake, all of the children with autism for that year, 87 children, aged 1 to 13 years, were evaluated. Ages were 26% 16 months‐3 years, 58% 3‐5 years and 16% 5‐13 years. Anthropometric measures were obtained according to standardized procedures. Population ethnicity was 60% Caucasian, 33% African American, and 7% Other. Eighty % were male and 20% female. Mothers were 21‐30 years. Results showed: picky eating 70%, allergies 5%, fruit/vegetables low in 74%, whole grains low in 68%, calories were adequate, anthropometric measures followed the growth curve for age. Nutritional assessment/ counseling is needed for these highrisk children.