Evaluation and Management of Reduced Dietary Diversity in Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Mar;53(3):1290-1297. doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05715-8. Epub 2022 Aug 22.

Abstract

Pediatric Feeding Disorder, a common problem in children, is commoner in children with various developmental disorders. Children with pediatric feeding disorder can have food selectivity and lack dietary diversity (DD). In this paper, an understanding of DD in these children is provided along with a dietary diversity index that can be helpful in measuring and understanding the risks posed by this lack of DD. An overview of a management strategy to address decreased DD is proposed. In these children, improving DD can improve growth, micronutrient status, long-term metabolic health, and potentially quality of life.

Keywords: Diet index; Diet quality; Diet restriction; Food classification; Food groups.

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Child
  • Diet
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders*
  • Food Preferences
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life