Severe Feeding Disorder and Malnutrition in 2 Children with Autism

2012

Cathleen Piazza
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402-559-2261

Leanna, a 10-year-old girl with autism, was hospitalized for severe malnutrition and 20 pound weight loss secondary to reduced intake over 4 months. Her food choices became increasingly restrictive to the point where she only ate certain types and brands of foods. She gradually stopped drinking and developed severe constipation and encopresis. A new behavior of collecting saliva in her mouth and spitting onto napkins also emerged. Orlando, a 3-year-old boy with autism, was evaluated in the emergency room for lethargy and generalized edema for 6 weeks. The history revealed a restrictive diet of commercial pureed fruit and coconut juice for 2 years. He only ate a particular brand and with specific containers; the limited food intake occurred only with his favorite blanket. He refused to eat other types of food.

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

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