Malnutrition prevalence among children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) in special education schools in San Miguel district, El Salvador

Abstract

This study analyzed statistical results derived from anthropometric measurements and nutritional status evaluations of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who attended public Special Education Schools (SES) in San Miguel, El Salvador, during the period from July to September 2024.  The general objective was to: Identify the factors associated with the prevalence of malnutrition in children with ASD. Using a descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional design with a qualitative approach, factors influencing the dietary habits and health status of children with ASD, aged 5 to 10 years, were explored. Key findings include Sensory alterations and gastrointestinal disorders that affect food acceptance.  Behavioral issues related to eating.  Specific difficulties include food selectivity, dietary monotony, refusal of foods prepared outside the family environment, and behaviors such as pica. The study revealed that, out of a total of 25 children evaluated, 36% were obese, 20% were overweight, 16% experienced undernutrition or stunted growth, and 24% had a normal nutritional status. In conclusion, these results indicate that malnutrition in children with ASD is a public health problem in El Salvador, with a prevalence of 60 cases of overnutrition and 16 cases of undernutrition per 100 children. These findings underscore the urgent need to implement specific interventions and comprehensive strategies to improve the nutritional health of this vulnerable population.