Children with autism may be up to five times more likely to have feeding problems, new research indicates.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Signs can include an absence of eye contact, apparent aloofness, avoidance of physical contact even with family, difficulty dealing with interruptions to routine and a lack of interest in other children and what they are doing.

US scientists carried out a detailed analysis of all published research into autism and feeding problems. They found that children with autism are five times more likely to have problems, such as severe food selectivity, extreme tantrums during mealtimes and ritualistic behaviours while eating.

This can lead to serious nutritional deficits. For example, autistic children were found to have a lower intake of calcium and protein in their diet.

"The results of this study have broad implications for children with autism. It not only highlights the importance of assessing mealtime concerns as part of routine healthcare screenings, but also suggests the need for greater focus on diet and nutrition in the autism community," commented lead scientist, Dr William Sharp, of the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta.

He noted that chronic feeding problems can increase the risk of physical and mental conditions, including growth problems, malnutrition and poor academic achievement. He also noted that this is an issue that the parents of autistic children raise time and time again.

"However, despite the risk of long-term medical issues, as well as frequent caregiver concern regarding the quality of their child's diet, feeding problems are often overlooked in relation to other areas of clinical and research concern in the autism population," he noted.

Dr Sharp said that these findings should have ‘immediate and important implications' for anyone working in the area of autism.

"This study is the first of its kind to quantify the impact of feeding disorders in the autism population. We hope that our work helps guide clinical practice, as well as provides a roadmap for future research in this area."

Details of these findings are published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.