Português (Brasil) Português (Brasil)

Português (Brasil)

Abstract

Selective eating in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a frequently observed phenomenon in children's eating behavior and can have significant impacts on their nutritional status and development. In this context, understanding the factors associated with this behavior becomes relevant to the health field, especially in the area of ​​child nutrition and multidisciplinary follow-up. This study aimed to analyze, based on recent scientific literature, the factors related to selective eating in children with ASD, as well as to discuss the nutritional challenges associated with this eating behavior. A literature review was conducted, based on the analysis of scientific articles published between 2021 and 2025 in widely used academic databases in the health field. The analysis of the studies showed that selective eating in children with ASD is mainly associated with alterations in sensory processing, repetitive behavioral patterns, and difficulties in introducing new foods. The results also indicate that this eating behavior can contribute to a reduction in dietary diversity and increase the risk of nutritional inadequacies during childhood. Therefore, it can be concluded that selective eating represents a significant challenge for healthcare professionals and families, requiring the adoption of intervention strategies that simultaneously consider nutritional, sensory, and behavioral aspects, with the goal of promoting a more balanced diet and contributing to the improvement of these children's quality of life.