SENSORY PERCEPTION OF FRUIT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: SHAPE, COLOR AND TASTE ASSOCIATIONS

Abstract

The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves three main areas: social interaction impairment, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD may also experience challenges with food perception due to sensory sensitivities, affecting their eating habits and nutrition. This report analyzes how individuals with ASD perceive basic attributes of fruits such as shape, color, and taste through two tests. The first test included shape, color, and a fruit image, while the second replaced the image with the fruit’s flavor. Additionally, the effect of music was studied. The results showed a 36 % discordance in the first test, increasing to 67 % when flavor was introduced. When music was added, discordant responses averaged 50 %. The findings suggest that children with ASD have difficulty associating fruits with their shape and color, particularly when yellow and triangle were present. Additional input such as music may influence their food choices and associations. Understanding these discrepancies can help develop better tools for improving eating behavior in this population.