Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
https://trends.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/2237-6089-2017-0004
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Original Article

Narratives of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders: focus on eating behavior

Narrativa de mães de crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo: foco no comportamento alimentar

Cristiane P. Lázaro; Milena P. Pondé

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Abstract

Abstract Objective To investigate the eating behavior of individuals with autism through their mothers’ narratives. Methods The study of narratives was used to report on the narrators’ experiences. Data on the eating habits of individuals with autism were collected using semi-structured interviews held individually with the mothers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and codified using the NVivo software program. Results Eighteen mothers of boys/young men with autism participated in the study. Analysis yielded three major categories: eating patterns, the family's attitudes to the child's eating habits, and food-related behavior. Conclusion Results show that autism-related factors may affect the child's food choices. Environmental factors, particularly the parents’ behavior, may also play a decisive role, both in reinforcing the child's food choices and in encouraging a healthier and more diversified diet. Professionals should instruct parents regarding their decisive role in reinforcing or discouraging inappropriate mealtime behavior in children with autism.

Keywords

Autism spectrum, behavior problems, parents’ style, qualitative methods, eating and feeding disorders

Resumo

Resumo Objetivo Investigar o comportamento alimentar de indivíduos com transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) através das narrativas de suas mães. Métodos Os dados sobre os hábitos alimentares dos indivíduos com TEA foram coletados utilizando entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas individualmente com as mães. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e codificadas usando o programa NVivo. Resultados Dezoito mães de meninos/jovens homens com autismo participaram do estudo. A análise produziu três categorias principais: padrões alimentares, a atitude da família em relação aos hábitos alimentares da criança e comportamentos relacionados à alimentação. Conclusão Os resultados mostram que os fatores relacionados ao autismo podem afetar as escolhas alimentares da criança. Os fatores ambientais, particularmente o comportamento dos pais, também podem desempenhar um papel decisivo, tanto no reforço das escolhas alimentares da criança quanto no incentivo a uma dieta mais saudável e diversificada. Os profissionais devem instruir os pais sobre o seu papel decisivo no reforço ou desencorajamento do comportamento inapropriado nas refeições em crianças com TEA.

Palavras-chave

Transtorno do espectro do autismo, problemas de comportamento, estilo dos pais, métodos qualitativos, transtornos alimentares

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