A Study Of Relation Between Autism And Overweight In Center Of Care Of Children With Special Need In Ain Shams University

Abstract
Background: Obesity is a major public health problem and the prevalence of obesity is increasing in all countries. Obesity in children has become a significant health concern, and the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled over the last twenty years. Data from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that nearly a third of children in the general population are overweight or obese. Autism is associated with abnormal eating habits and sedentary life lead to obesity.
Objective: To determine the frequency of overweight among autistic children, and to study relation to diet, medication, sleep, habitand physical activity.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study included 30 autistic childern from the center of care of children with special need, Ain Shams University. All children were subjected to a clinical interview derived from AIN SHAMS Sheet ,measuring weight , height, BMI, CARRS and IQ. All ASD children were subjected to the following: Personal data, Birth History, Dietetic History, Family History, Current and Past Medical Information History, Physical activity & sleep, Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Anthropometric measurements.
Results: BMI showed that 10 cases of autistic children were overweight with high BMI percentile (P =0.43), they were mild autism. 80.0% of ASD children had normal appetite, (20%) of the children had increased appetite. Consumption of one unit of fruits represented 53.3%, 2 unit 6.7%. Consumption of vegetable one unit represented 63.3%, two unit 6.7%.16.7%) was using otomox and (83.3%) were not subjected to drugs. 33.3% was using risperidone and (66.7%) were not subjected.
Conclusion: Autistic children tend to be overweight and obese because of bad eating habit, medication sedentary life.
Keywords: Obesity, autism ,epidemiology , Body Mass Index, Children
Introduction:
Obesity in children has become a significant health concern, and the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled over the last twenty years. Data from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that nearly a third of children ages (2-19years) in the general population are overweight or obese.1
Evidence from clinic-based studies and nationally representative surveys suggests that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a prevalence of obesity at least as high as that seen in typically developing children. While significant efforts are underway to understand and treat obesity in the general pediatric population, relatively little work has focused on children with ASD. In general, children who are obese are likely to remain so as adults, and excess weight substantially increases risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.2
Given the increasing prevalence of ASD, the prevention of secondary conditions associated with obesity in children in this population is a pressing public health issue, with implications for independent living and quality of life. 3
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to find the frequency of overweight in ASD children and the risk factors that may experience.
Methodology:
Study Design: Cross section study.
The study is a cross sectional case study aiming to study relation between overweight and autism in children.
Subjects :
The study was conducted in center of care of children with special need in Ain shams university representing the over a period starting from March, 2018to end of August, 2018.
The autistic children were selected on the basis of the following criteria:
nclusion Criteria:
Patients diagnosed according to DSM VI as having autism
Age range from 5 years - 18 years.
Both sexes
Methods:
All ASD children were subjected to the following:
Personal data: Name, date of birth and age, sex, residency place, order of birth, number and of brothers and sisters. Socioeconomic status is assessed through: parents’ educational level, parents’ job, housing characteristic.
Birth History: including previous miscarriages or stillbirths, health Problems during pregnancy, labor circumstances, and child’s Condition at and after birth General examination.
Dietetic History: including feeding problems and the last day dietary recall Local.
Family History: of medical diseases, epilepsy, developmental problems as ADHD, Language and Speech problems, Intellectual disability and psychiatric problems.
Current and Past Medical Information History:
Physical activity & sleep
Eating Behaviour Questionnaire
CARS and IQ obtained from the patient file
Complete Medical Examination
Anthropometric measurements: Anthropometric measurements are done then plotted against the corresponding WHO Z Score and percentiles growth charts (Height measurement (Ht), Weight measurement (Wt) and Body Mass Index (BMI). The software consisted of three modules: anthropometric calculator, individual assessment, and nutritional survey. Only the anthropometric calculator module was used to calculate the corresponding percentile and Z score for children.
Limitations of the study:
Some caregivers were uncooperative.
Much time was needed for evaluation of one child.
Ethical Consideration:
Approval of the medical ethics committee of the national research center and the ethical committee of the institute for post graduate child hood studies was obtained. A full explanation of the study will be provided to the patients a written consent was taken from the patient or guardians.