Nutritional Status Survey Of Children With ASD At Six Special Education Institutions In Chongqing

Objective: To investigate nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorders(ASD)and provide a scientific basis on nutritional intervention for autistic children.Methods: 271 children with ASD were subjected to anthropometric measurement and biochemical assessment,including Hemoglobin(HGB),vitamin A(VA),vitamin D(VD),and folic acid(FA).The nutritional status of children with ASD from 2013-2015 and 2019 was compared.Results: Between the two groups of autistic children,the average Z values of weight and body mass index(BMI)of autistic children from 2013-2015 were higher(P =0.001,0.000).There was no significant difference in Z value of height(P = 0.554).The ratio of weight-for-age Z scores(WAZ)> 2 in autistic children from 2013-2015 is higher than that from 2019(P = 0.030),but we didn't find significant difference in the ratio of WAZ <-2,height-for-age Z scores(HAZ)<-2,BMI-for-age Z scores(BAZ)<-2,HAZ> 2 and BAZ> 2 between two groups(P = 0.345,1.000,0.051,1.000,0.344).The average level of HGB in the two groups was both within normal range,and the proportion of anemia was not high.VA or VD insufficiency or deficiency was not uncommon in both groups.The average levels of VA and VD in autistic children from 2013-2015 were lower than those from 2019(P = 0.000,0.001),and the ratio of VA or VD deficiency or insufficiency was also higher(P = 0.000,0.000).But we didn't find significant difference in FA level and deficiency ratio between the two groups of autistic children(P = 0.755,0.119).Conclusion: In the nutrition management of children with ASD,more attention should be paid to the balance of calorie intake and consumption;The low levels of serum VA and VD in autistic children are common,and individual nutrition management,especially for dietary diversification,is required;Nutritional status of children with ASD still needs further research to explore its Influence factors and relationship with ASD.