O074 - AUTISM NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT (ANA)

O074

AUTISM NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT (ANA)

K. Castro^1,*, C. Vasconcelos¹, R. D. S. Riesgo¹

¹Departamento de Neuropediatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Rationale: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors, often accompanied by sensory and motor differences. These challenges can negatively impact nutritional status, which is critical for healthy growth and development. Despite the significance of these issues, comprehensive tools for nutritional assessment and intervention tailored to this population remain limited. To address this gap, a specialized instrument was developed for the nutritional assessment of individuals with ASD.

Methods: Phase 1: variables related to autism and nutrition were identified to inform the development of a preliminary version of the assessment tool. Phase 2: the instrument was evaluated using a modified Delphi method. A panel of 30 dietitians with expertise in ASD assessed the tool through a structured digital questionnaire, rating four quality criteria—functionality, organization, language and comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness. (Prot. 61247122100005327).

Results: Levels of strong agreement with the quality criteria ranged from 63.3% to 80%, specifically: functionality (76.7%), organization (73.3%), language and comprehensibility (80%), and comprehensiveness (63.3%). The final version of the instrument encompasses seven domains: Life History, Food-Related Aspects, Feeding Behavior, Dietary Intake, Daily Routines, Clinical Aspects, and Anthropometry. 

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first evidence-based instrument designed specifically for the nutritional assessment of individuals with ASD. It offers a comprehensive framework suitable for clinical practice, facilitating both initial evaluations and ongoing monitoring. Although cultural validation remains to be conducted, the tool already represents a robust foundation for dietetic practice routine, supporting informed clinical decision-making worldwide.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared