Year
2022
Season
Fall
Paper Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
Brooks College of Health
Degree Name
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
Department
Nutrition & Dietetics
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Nutrition & Dietetics
First Advisor
Dr. Andrea Arikawa
Second Advisor
Dr. Lauri Wright
Third Advisor
Dr. Corinne Labyak
Department Chair
Dr. Andrea Arikawa
College Dean
Dr. Curt Lox
Abstract
The adolescent’s nutrition perception is reflected in dietary intake and body composition. Obesity is prevalent among adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Dietary habits of children with ASD are affected by sensory issues, gastrointestinal factors, and parental provision of diet. This cross-sectional study identifies the relationships among variables for dietary intake, nutrition perception of intake, and anthropometric measurements for adiposity for 19 adolescents, ages 11 to 17, with ASD. Twenty-four children who are typically developing (TD) were assessed to compare all variables for significant differences. Measurements of variables of interest were obtained from the adolescent subjects: a 24-hour recall of dietary intake and a nutrition perception survey via a virtual assessment; and from parents: a single assessment of 1-year food frequency questionnaire and a body composition survey. Statistical analyses included paired-sample t-test to determine differences within and between ASD and TD mean variables. Significant differences between child-reported and parent-reported dietary intake variables determined a higher quality intake by parent report. Pearson’s r analyses assessed the correlations among variables. There were no significant inverse correlations for dietary total Healthy Eating Index score and child-reported nutrition perception for health perception. Independent sample t-tests yielded waist-to-height ratio and total nutrition perception significantly higher among ASD subjects than TD, while TD adolescents had a higher reported intake of dietary variables for whole grains and fruits than ASD, supporting prior evidence that ASD children are at a greater risk for obesity.
Suggested Citation
Berg, Kristin M., "Nutrition perception, dietary intake, and anthropometric correlations between Autism Spectrum Disorder and typically developing adolescents." (2022). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1159.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1159