Valoración nutricional en niños y adolescentes con trastorno del espectro autista en la Fundación Autismo Ecuador en el período mayo – septiembre 2018.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Autismo Ecuador Foundation of the city of Guayaquil. Methods: We conducted a prospective, descriptive and observational study with a quantitative approach, which included 30 children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Ecuador Foundation of the city of Guayaquil that met the inclusion criteria. According to the data obtained, the nutritional status was determined through the weight / age, height / age, BMI / Age indexes, and food habits were identified through the food frequency survey and the 24-hour record. Results: The nutritional evaluation showed that the weight / age (63%), height / age (87%), BMI / age (53%) indices were found according to WHO parameters. According to the 24-hour recall survey it was determined that the dietary habits of children and adolescents were found in excess according to the results of calories (47%), and the results of macronutrients such as carbohydrates 71 %), proteins (94%), lipids (88%). Through the frequency of food, it was possible to know that the consumption of dairy products and cereals with gluten adjusted to the alterations that promote the excessive consumption of this group of foods. Conclusion: Dietary habits do not influence the current nutritional status of researchers, while excessive prolonged macronutrient consumption creates a future risk of chronic no communicable diseases altering the proper development of this population.