Dysregulated Breastfeeding Behaviors in Children Later Diagnosed With Autism
Abstract
Newborn breastfeeding behaviors have not been characterized in children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a qualitative interview, 16 mothers (28-56 years) of children with ASD described their 19 full-term infants' (38-42 weeks' gestational age) breastfeeding behaviors. Nine mothers described their infants as demonstrating a dysregulated breastfeeding pattern of sucking without stopping of their own volition. The infants' latch, weight gain, and other behaviors were recalled as not problematic. This feature of dysregulated feeding pattern in infancy has not been reported previously for children with ASD. If supported by future research, the pattern of a dysregulated feeding pattern in newborns could be evaluated by clinicians in the general pediatric population and/or at-risk infant siblings of children with ASD.
References
Breastfeeding, infant formula supplementation, and Autistic Disorder: the results of a parent survey
Citations
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Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is associated with challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues. Here is the latest research on autism.