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Overweight and Obesity: Prevalence and Correlates in a Large Clinical Sample of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and childhood obesity (OBY) are rising public health concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of overweight (OWT) and OBY in a sample of 376 Oregon children with ASD, and to assess correlates of OWT and OBY in this sample. We used descriptive statistics, bivariate, and focused multivariate analyses to determine whether socio-demographic characteristics, ASD symptoms, ASD cognitive and adaptive functioning, behavioral problems, and treatments for ASD were associated with OWT and OBY in ASD. Overall 18.1 % of children met criteria for OWT and 17.0 % met criteria for OBY. OBY was associated with sleep difficulties, melatonin use, and affective problems. Interventions that consider unique needs of children with ASD may hold promise for improving weight status among children with ASD.

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Acknowledgments

This research was conducted using data collected as part of the Autism Treatment Network (ATN). The ATN is funded by Autism Speaks and a cooperative agreement (UA3 MC 11054) from the Health Resources and Services Administration to Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Zuckerman’s effort was funded by K23MH095828 from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 707 SW Gaines Rd., Mail Code CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA

    Katharine E. Zuckerman

  2. Center for Spoken Language Understanding, Oregon Health & Science University, 840 SW Gaines Rd., Mail Code GH40, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Alison P. Hill

  3. Division of Child Psychology, Oregon Health & Science University, 707 SW Gaines Rd., Mail Code CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Kimberly Guion

  4. Institute of Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University, 707 SW Gaines Rd., Mail Code CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Alison P. Hill, Kimberly Guion, Lisa Voltolina & Eric Fombonne

  5. Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Lisa Voltolina

  6. Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Eric Fombonne

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  1. Katharine E. Zuckerman
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  2. Alison P. Hill
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Correspondence to Katharine E. Zuckerman.

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Zuckerman, K.E., Hill, A.P., Guion, K. et al. Overweight and Obesity: Prevalence and Correlates in a Large Clinical Sample of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 1708–1719 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2050-9

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