Detecting Feeding Problems in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The team tested the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) on 1- to young learners with autism. Parents filled out the 14-item checklist while waiting for clinic visits. Researchers then checked if scores lined up with real feeding problems.

The scale showed strong internal consistency (α = 0.87). Kids with ASD scored much higher than typical kids, flagging more feeding issues. The tool caught problems in children as young as 12 months.

Brisson et al. (2012) saw early signs of feeding trouble too. They watched home videos and found babies later diagnosed with ASD opened their mouths less during spoon-feeds at 4–6 months. The new study extends that work by giving you a quick parent form you can use after the first birthday.

Mulder et al. (2020) tested two chewing tasks in Down syndrome and showed objective mouth-work tests can be done fast. Their work supports the idea that brief tools—like the MCH-FS—are practical in busy clinics.

van den Broek et al. (2006) warned that screeners can miss higher-functioning kids. The MCH-FS avoids that trap by asking about behavior, not diagnosis, so it still flags feeding issues even if the child has mild ASD traits.

You now have a 2-minute parent scale that spots feeding problems early in ASD. Use it at intake, share the score with the OT, and target treatment sooner. Early feeding fixes can cut later food refusal, reduce family stress, and free up time for other skills.