PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - P: Health Sciences

School Meal Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Name of the presenter

Trixler Bettina

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

Authors

Bettina Trixler¹, Henriette Pusztafalvi²

1: Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
2: Department of Health Promotion and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Children with autism experience significantly more feeding difficulties compared to their neurotypical peers, which may lead to long-term health risks. School meals for children with autism remain an under-researched area, despite their crucial role not only in nutritional intake but also in the development of social skills, especially for students who require sensory-sensitive and structured environments. These challenges place an increasing burden on families, healthcare systems, and educational institutions.
Aims: The aim of this study is to propose inclusive and supported school-based practices that promote healthy eating habits and social integration, based on existing literature and empirical experiences, while taking individual needs into account.
Method: A literature review was conducted to identify studies published between 2018 and 2025 that focused primarily on the school eating habits of autistic children and, secondarily, of children with other neurodevelopmental disorders. Using predefined keywords, six relevant studies were selected, which examined eating behaviors, dietary diversity, and influencing factors.
Results: Several studies confirm that the eating habits of autistic children can be improved through various interventions, which support the acceptance of new foods, reduce challenging behaviors, and facilitate better adaptation to the school environment.
Conclusion: School meals for children with autism present a complex challenge that goes beyond dietary needs, encompassing sensory sensitivities, social interactions, and environmental conditions. A well-structured and supportive school meal program can reduce stress, promote the acceptance of new foods, and enhance students' integration into mealtime settings.
Funding: This research was carried out with the professional support of the University Researcher Scholarship Program (code: EKÖP-24-3-II-PTE-338) of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, nutrition, school, health