Sleep patterns and their links to eating behaviors and dietary quality in autistic children
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/20473869.2026.2679069
- Journal Name: International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, EMBASE, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, dietary quality, eating behaviors, mealtime behavior, sleep patterns
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary quality, eating behaviors, and sleep patterns among autistic children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2023. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and age- and sex-specific z-scores for height-for-age and BMI-for-age were calculated. Feeding difficulties were assessed using the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), sleep-related problems were measured using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and dietary quality was evaluated with the Healthy Eating Index–2020 (HEI-2020). Results: Self-feeding ability was significantly lower in children with sleep-related difficulties than in those without (p =.02). BAMBI total scores (p =.01) and subscales–food refusal (p =.01), limited food variety (p =.04), and features of autism (p =.03)–were significantly higher among children with sleep-related difficulties. CSHQ scores were negatively associated with HEI-2020 total score in children with/without sleep-related problems, whereas in those with sleep problems, they were linked to higher added sugar intake. A significant regression was observed between BAMBI total scores and CSHQ scores (β = 0.27, t = 3.12, p =.01). Conclusions: Autistic children with sleep-related difficulties exhibit poorer independent eating abilities and mealtime behaviors, as well as greater food refusal, limited food variety, and more pronounced autism-related features compared to those without such difficulties.