<![CDATA[Background: Children with ASD and ADHD are prone to malnutrition owing to their sensitivity to certain tastes, textures, or types of food, which can affect their eating patterns. This condition causes an imbalance in energy and macronutrient adequacy levels, which can affect nutritional status. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency, there are 3,2 million children with ASD in Indonesia, while the prevalence of ADHD in Indonesia reaches 26,4%. This study builds upon previous research, which has generally focused only on children with ASD. This study included a group of children with ADHD and was conducted in Ngawi Regency, where similar research is limited.Objectives: To analyze the relationship between eating patterns, energy adequacy, and macronutrients and the nutritional status of children with ASD and ADHD at Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat Public School for Special Needs, Ngawi.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design and a quantitative analytical approach. A total of 30 students with ASD and ADHD at Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat Public School for Special Needs, Ngawi, were selected using total sampling, with the inclusion criterion being that parents were willing to be interviewed. Data collection will be conducted in July 2025. Children’s dietary patterns were assessed based on parents’ perceptions and feeding practices using the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). Energy and macronutrient intakes were assessed using a validated Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire with cut-offs of ≤89% (deficit), 90%-119% (normal), and ≥120% (excess), while nutritional status was measured using body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age). Data were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test if the chi-square assumption was not met.Results: Of the total respondents, 53% were malnourished. The analysis revealed no significant relationship between dietary patterns and nutritional status. There was a significant relationship between energy adequacy and nutritional status (p = 0,02; OR = 21,67; 95% CI=2,234-210,111). The OR value was quite large, which was likely influenced by the relatively small number of respondents in this study. In addition, there was no significant relationship between protein, fat, and carbohydrate adequacy and nutritional status.Conclusion: Energy intake among children with ASD and ADHD plays an important role in their nutritional status. Our study revealed the need for nutritional education interventions to improve energy balance and nutritional status in this population.]]>
