AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS, FEEDING CHALLENGES, AND FAMILY MEALTIMES
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder commonly face eating challenges. Dr. Ausderau’s research aims to define specific patterns, associated behaviors, and severity of feeding disorders in children with ASD and establish associations among those characteristics with their growth, dietary status, and family outcomes. Using family interviews, mealtime observations, and standardized questionnaires, Dr. Ausderau’s research focuses on:
- Learning about the different types of feeding challenges and behaviors in children with autism,
- Understanding how having a child with autism and feeding challenges impacts family mealtimes,
- Exploring how the food a child with autism eats is related to their growth and health
Characterizing feeding disorders is a critical step in developing appropriate assessment and intervention practices for promoting the healthy development of children with ASD.