Brief Report: Plasma Leptin and Mealtime Feeding Behaviors Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Doctors took a small blood sample from autistic children. They checked how much leptin each child had. Leptin is a hormone that tells the brain when the stomach is full.

Parents also filled out a short checklist about mealtime behaviors. Kids were grouped by weight: normal, overweight, or obese.

Overweight and obese autistic children had higher leptin levels. The same heavy kids also scored worse on the mealtime behavior checklist. Normal-weight kids had lower leptin and fewer food battles.

Milane et al. (2025) show the BAMBI checklist is the top tool for measuring mealtime problems in autism. Scior et al. (2023) likely used BAMBI, so their finding rests on solid ground.

Shmaya et al. (2017) found sensory issues predict mealtime struggles, but not nutrition gaps. K et al. add weight and leptin as new predictors. Together, the two studies say: check both sensory profile and weight status when feeding is hard.

Welsh et al. (2019) warn that weight talk can upset autistic kids. K et al. give a medical reason to bring it up anyway—high leptin may signal bigger behavior issues. Use gentle words and the data together.

If an autistic client is heavy, you now have two quick screens: leptin blood level and a BAMBI checklist. High scores on either flag tougher mealtimes ahead. Share the leptin number with the pediatrician and start behavior skills training early. This pairing keeps you focused on behavior while the doctor watches metabolism.