Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40881072›Full record

ArticleWorld journal of clinical pediatrics2025

Food selectivity and autism: A systematic review.

Rosaria Ferrara, Leonardo Iovino, Lidia Ricci, Angiola Avallone, Roberto Latina, Pasquale Ricci

Abstract read
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Article in World journal of clinical pediatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Rosaria FerraraDepartment of Anatomy, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedics Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Lazio, Italy. rosaria.ferrara@uniroma1.it.
Leonardo IovinoDepartment of Economic and Legal Studies, Parthenope university of Naples, Naples 80133, Campania, Italy.
Lidia RicciDepartment of Anatomy, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedics Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Lazio, Italy.
Angiola AvalloneOrganizzazione Italiana Studio E Monitoraggio Autismo, Rome 00162, Lazio, Italy.
Roberto LatinaDepartment of Health Promotion Science, Mother and Child Care, Internal medicine and Medical specialities,University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Sicilia, Italy.
Pasquale RicciDepartment of Life Science, Health, Health Profession, "Link Campus" University of Rome, Rome 00165, Lazio, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in the first years of life, with a complex pathogenesis influenced by biological, genetic and epigenetic factors. Many children with ASD display marked food selectivity, often restricting themselves to a narrow range of foods. The problems associated with feeding children with ASD can vary widely, from mild cases that pose no immediate health risks, to more severe situations with a risk of malnutrition or, conversely, overeating. This scoping review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the frequency, nature and factors related to food selectivity in children with autism.

aimTo comprehensively review the literature on food selectivity in ASD.

methodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO databases, to identify articles published in English from 2014 until 2024. Studies on a sample diagnosed with ASD and food selectivity were included. The selected databases were chosen for their broad coverage of the scientific literature. These databases represent reliable sources of high-quality articles, ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date search.

resultsWe evaluated 222 studies on food selectivity in autism, from which duplicates were removed and unrelated titles were filtered out. Finally, 9 articles were included in the review. Five articles provide a general overview of the phenomenon, analysing its nature and factors. Two studies delve into sensory sensitivity, in particular the impact of food textures, tastes and smells. Finally, two studies focus on problem behaviour during mealtimes.

conclusionChildren with ASD have greater food selectivity than the neurotypical population. The diet should contain a greater variety of fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, while reducing the consumption of rice and pasta.

Indexed as

AutismAutism spectrum disorderChildrenDevelopmentFood selectivity

Identifiers

PMID40881072
PMCPMC12304907

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.