Autism & Obesity: Diagnosed Kids More Likely To Be Overweight -- What Parents Can Do

Research has found that children diagnosed with autism are more likely to be more overweight or obese compared to their peers without the condition, and differences can be seen even as early as preschool age.

"A lot of things are happening for these families when their children are under 5, including going through the process of getting a diagnosis and just managing day-to-day behaviors and juggling their child's education and treatment needs," said study author Alison Presmanes Hill, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Institute on Development and Disability at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, via HealthDay.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly known simply as autism, affects about one in 68 children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that it occurs in all racial and ethnic groups, and is five times more common in boys than in girls. Usually, people with the condition suffer from social, emotional, and communication problems.

The study, published online in the journal Pediatrics, measured the height and the weight of more than 5,000 children aged 2 to 17, diagnosed with ASD in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network. BMI criteria taken from the CDC was used to define overweight and obesity status.

Overall, it was found that 34 percent of the kids with autism were more overweight than the 32 percent overweight kids in the general population. The number of obese kids were also higher for those with autism compared to the general population, at 18 and 17 percent respectively.

"It is possible that the early signs and symptoms of autism are so salient for parents that they could overshadow concerns about weight problems," explained Hill.

The differences were even more evident in the younger and later years. Kids with autism between two to five years were more likely to be obese compared to peers their age without the condition, at 16 and 10 percent respectively. Teens with autism were also found to have a higher likelihood of obesity compared to their peers without the disorder, at 26 versus 20 percent.

To help kids with autism fight against obesity, Dr. Glen Elliott, chief psychiatrist and medical director of Children's Health Council in Palo Alto, Calif., suggested establishing some physical activity.

“Some parents find that it is easier to introduce regular exercise into the lives of their autistic children because routines such as daily walks or bike rides tend to be self-sustaining once established," Elliott said.

Hill added that it is important that parents do not ignore a child's weight, to focus on other challenges that the child faces.