Crunchy foods, characterized by their distinctive texture and sound, elicit strong multisensory responses that engage both somatosensory and auditory pathways in the brain. These sensory experiences interact with neural systems associated with pleasure, increasing the enjoyment of the food and reinforcing consumption behavior. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often present atypical sensory processing, which may modulate their preference for or aversion to crunchy foods. While some children are attracted to these textures for the predictable sensory feedback and stimulation, others may avoid them due to heightened sensitivity. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the perception of crunchy foods offers valuable insights into selective eating behaviors in ASD and may inform strategies for dietary management and sensory-based interventions. This review synthesizes current research on brain’s response to crunchy textures and examines its relevance to feeding patterns in children on the autism spectrum. Moreover, processed crunchy foods containing high amounts of sugar can negatively affect dental health, contributing to the formation of bacterial plaque, dental calculus, and cavities. Treating these conditions in children with autism is often more challenging due to sensory hypersensitivity, which can trigger fear and anxiety during dental procedures.
Keywords:- autism spectrum disorder
- crunchy food
- oral health
- sensory processing
- somatosensory integration