Construção de um produto educacional voltado para nutricionistas sobre alimentação para crianças com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior. Due to the growing interest in reports of food selectivity, sensory sensitivities and atypical eating behaviors in individuals with ASD, this study aimed to create an educational booklet on feeding for children with ASD. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, with articles published in Portuguese and English in the last six years for the elaboration of an educational product, carried out in the VHL, LILACS and SCIELO databases. The descriptors and combinations used were "autism spectrum disorder and nutrition", "autism spectrum disorders and child nutrition" in Portuguese and English, respectively. Results: With the selection of 07 articles, based on their data, an educational product, of the booklet type, entitled "Nutritional care for professional nutritionists" was structured, containing 24 pages, divided into 6 parts. Discussion: The nutritional aspects involved include habits and difficulties in relation to the feeding of children with ASD, the presence of dysfunctional eating habits being observed, and strategies are established for the management of the difficulties present and the symptomatology of the disorder. Final considerations: The characteristics present in ASD have pertinent impacts on the diet and nutrition of autistic children, making it necessary to manage the evident difficulties and adopt strategies aimed at improving the symptoms and quality of life of these individuals.