Feeding behaviours in infancy of children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Autism spectrum disorder, the fastest growing childhood neurodevelopmental diagnosis, shows good outcomes with early intervention. The search for behavioral markers is an important area of research. Studies breastfeeding and weaning behaviours in autism have reported characteristic patterns which could be indicators this condition. Methods: study was a cross sectional survey during first year life 50 children aged 15 months to 5 years, including 25 ASD Neurotypical children. A semi-structured interview schedule brief assessment mealtime behavior scale used elicit feeding history from their mothers. Data analysed using descriptive statistics tests significance. Results: There were significant differences ASD, compared NT 64% showed dysregulated vigorous sucking breastfeeding, without knowing when stop. 52% them breast fed more than 40 minutes per feed. 68% continued breastfeed beyond age 2 years. proportion also difficulties such as limited variety (40%), food refusal (36%) disruptive behaviour (32%). Conclusions: Children show significantly challenging infancy, These identified by parents health workers child development possible signs prompt referral further diagnostic evaluation.