Weight Troubles Plague Kids with ASD, Developmental Delays Equally
November 9, 2018
By: Shaun Heasley
Source: Disability Scoop
Children with developmental delays — including autism — are nearly 50 percent more likely than other kids to become overweight or obese at young ages, according to a new study.
The findings come from what researchers say is the first large study to show an equally high risk of obesity among those with autism and other developmental delays.
The study of kids ages 2 to 5 included 668 with autism, 914 diagnosed with developmental delays or disorders and 884 typically-developing children. All of the participants had their height and weight measured and information was gathered about their medical, behavioral and developmental histories from records, interviews and questionnaires.