Re-imagining the physicians’ role in the assessment of feeding challenges in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

While feeding challenges in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prevalent, they continue to pose a significant diagnostic challenge, leading to misdiagnosis and under diagnosis of factors, both contextual and inherent, that may lead to negative health outcomes. Early identification of feeding difficulties in ASD is necessary to minimize negative health outcomes and strained parent-child relationships. Family physicians and paediatricians are positioned to reduce the impact of such disordered feeding behaviours on the child, family, and health care system. Providing clinicians with a conceptual framework to systematically identify factors contributing to the 'feeding challenge' construct will ensure the appropriate intervention is provided. We present the MOBS^E conceptual framework, a multidisciplinary lens for assessing feeding challenges in ASD. This will aid in the proper diagnosis of feeding challenges seen in ASD.