UIC College of Nursing

Ruth Lucas Funded Projects

Maternal Breastfeeding Experiences and Neonatal Breastfeeding Behaviors of Children Diagnosed with Autism

Funding Source: UIC College of Nursing, Seth D. Rosen Graduate Student Research Award

Dates: 5/01/10– 4/30/11

Abstract: Purpose: To describe maternal breastfeeding and neonatal breastfeeding behaviors of children diagnosed with autism which occurred during the first month of life.
Design: A retrospective descriptive study.
Sample: A convenience sample of 30 mothers who initiated breastfeeding in the hospital of a newborn later diagnosed with autism.
Settings: Two community settings, one a multidisciplinary community clinic who serves families with autism and a Chicago based parents’ support group for families of children diagnosed with autism. Several internet advertisements on web sites geared to families with autism.
Methods: An hour long semi-structured interview and socioenvironmental questionnaire.
Implications: Description of neonatal behaviors of infants which may be used as an initial screening assessment of newborns at risk for autism.