Dietary Challenges and Nutritional Awareness Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Survey-Based Study

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience dietary challenges, including food selectivity and sensory sensitivities, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Parental knowledge and attitudes play a crucial role in shaping children's eating behaviors, yet the extent of their influence remains underexplored. Aim: This study aimed to assess the dietary habits of children with ASD, evaluate parental nutritional awareness, and examine the association between parental knowledge, attitudes, and feeding challenges. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among parents of children aged 4–14 years with ASD. Participants were recruited from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS University, and autism support centers. A validated 20-item questionnaire assessed parental knowledge, dietary habits, feeding challenges, and gastrointestinal concerns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-Square test, multivariate analysis, and regression modeling. Results: Parental attitudes significantly influenced children's eating behaviors, particularly food refusal and dietary variety. While knowledge alone had a limited impact, meal planning difficulties and dietary challenges strongly correlated with restricted eating patterns. Regression analysis confirmed that parental attitudes and dietary challenges were key predictors of children's food acceptance. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of targeted parental education programs to improve meal variety and reduce food refusal in children with ASD. Future research should explore interventions focusing on parental attitudes and strategies to manage dietary challenges effectively.