Nutritional History and Risk Factors of Autistic Children in Selected Care Centers in Misurata

Autism is a universal health challenge that transcends geographic, social, and ethnic boundaries. It is estimated that autism occurs in 1 to 2 per 1,000 individuals, while autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 6 per 1,000, with a male-to-female ratio of about 4:1. This research sought to evaluate the nutritional status of children with autism attending specific care facilities in Misurata. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted focusing on children with a confirmed ASD diagnosis at various specialized centers. The study included both preschool and school-aged participants. Information was gathered through a systematic questionnaire and interview of parents or caregivers in 2024. The collected data highlight significant anthropometric and nutritional issues among the participants (N = 107; consisting of 90 boys [84.1%] and 17 girls [15.9%]). The survey indicated that 92.2% of the children do not follow any specific therapeutic diet, 23.4% skip breakfast frequently, and 11.2% exhibit inconsistent food acceptance. While significant correlations (p≤0.05) were found between different anthropometric markers (such as BMI, weight, MUAC, height, and age), no significant link (p≥0.05) was found between gender and factors like dietary adherence, use of ketogenic diets, breakfast habits, birth weight, food pickiness, or digestive issues (including constipation, flatulence, and abdominal pain). The findings emphasize critical nutritional gaps for autistic children in Misurata, characterized by a lack of dietary structure, inconsistent eating patterns, and irregular use of supplements. To mitigate these issues, there is a need for specialized parental training, integrated professional support, and the implementation of formal nutritional guidelines.