Estratégias de manejo da seletividade alimentar em crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista

Abstract

GOALS: This objective review searches the literature for strategies that minimize food selectivity in autistic children. DATA SOURCES: The review was carried out in the electronic databases U.S National Library of Medicine and Virtual Health Library and used keywords combined with each other: autism spectrum disorder, food selectivity, behavioral therapy and occupational therapy. The research will consist of studies published in Portuguese and English during the period between 2014 and 2024, carried out with humans. DATA SYNTHESIS: Some authors sought to stimulate all the senses, trying to increase contact and interest in the benefits provided. They provided tactile, olfactory, gustatory and visual stimuli in culinary and tasting workshops. On the other hand, some authors used behavioral strategies to minimize selectivity, stimulating food consumption through imitation or through positive and negative reinforcement, or even through food exposure and development of skills to deal with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all of these strategies brought positive results in the eating behavior of children with ASD, however, a more appropriate strategy must be chosen considering the uniqueness of each child. Furthermore, the involvement of a nutritionist specializing in ASD as part of a multidisciplinary team can provide personalized guidance to promote healthy eating that is developmentally appropriate for the child.