Stolar O, Zachor DA, Itzchak EB, et al. - In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the presence of co-morbid food selectivity may be attributable to sensory over-responsivity and inflexible adherence to routines or rituals that are part of the restricted and repetitive behaviors criterion for ASD. Food selectivity might also be associated with deficits in the social-communication domain.

• Eating abnormalities are highly prevalent (46-92%) in children with ASD vs typically developed toddlers (25-50%).

• Food selectivity is considered the most frequent eating abnormality in ASD.

• ASD and food selectivity in children is associated with a greater risk for having inadequate consumption of various minerals and vitamins.

• According to previous investigation, food selectivity has a positive association with parent-reported autism symptoms but was not related to autism severity or linguistic and cognitive abilities as assessed by professionals.