Every parent faces challenges when it comes to their kids’ eating habits, but it can be especially tough if your autistic child won’t eat. I’m here to help you understand why this happens and share some practical tips to make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone. We’ll explore different strategies, real-life examples, and research-backed advice to support you on this journey.
Table of Contents
Why Your Autistic Child May Be a Selective Eater
First, let’s explore the reasons behind selective eating in kids with thinking and learning differences. Understanding the “why” can help you tailor your approach to your child’s unique needs. Common factors include:
- Sensory sensitivities: Autistic kids may be sensitive to textures, tastes, smells, or even the appearance of food. This can make certain foods overwhelming or unappealing.
- Routine and predictability: Neurodivergent kids often thrive on routine, and this can extend to their food preferences. They may be hesitant to try new foods or deviate from their usual choices.
- Motor skills: Some autistic children may struggle with the motor skills required for eating, such as chewing or swallowing, making certain foods difficult to consume.
- Anxiety: Mealtime can be a source of anxiety for kids, particularly if they’ve had negative experiences with food in the past.
By understanding these factors, you can better address your autistic child’s selective eating habits. Goally’s learning tablet for kids can be a helpful tool in tracking your child’s progress and providing support during mealtimes.
Read more: Food Ideas for Picky Autistic Child
Focus on Nutrition, Not Just Quantity
When your child has a limited diet, it’s important to make every bite count. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development. Some strategies include:
- Offering high-calorie, nutrient-rich foods like avocado, nut butters, full-fat dairy, and oils
- Adding protein powders or supplements to smoothies or other foods they already eat
- Fortifying foods with extra nutrients, such as mixing pureed vegetables into sauces or baked goods
- Working with a dietitian who specializes in autism to develop an individualized nutrition plan
Remember, even small amounts of nutritious foods can make a difference over time. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
Respect Sensory Differences
Many children with autism are sensitive to certain textures, tastes, smells, or temperatures. What may seem like picky eating could actually be a sensory aversion. Try to identify and respect your child’s sensory preferences. For example:
- If they prefer crunchy foods, offer raw vegetables, crackers, or granola
- If they like smooth textures, try puddings, yogurt, or pureed soups
- If certain smells bother them, don’t cook strong-smelling foods in the house
- If they are temperature-sensitive, let hot foods cool down before serving
You can also try preparing foods in different ways to change the texture or taste. For instance, if your child refuses cooked carrots, see if they’ll eat them raw or shredded into a salad. Be creative and keep experimenting to find what works.
Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment
Now that we understand the potential reasons behind your autistic child’s selective eating let’s explore strategies to create a positive mealtime environment. These tips can help reduce anxiety and encourage your child to try new foods:
- Establish routines: Consistency is key. Set regular mealtimes and create a familiar environment to help your child feel more comfortable.
- Minimize distractions: Keep the focus on food by reducing distractions, such as turning off the TV or removing toys from the table.
- Involve your child: Encourage your kid to participate in meal planning, shopping, and preparation. This can help them feel more invested in the meal and more likely to try new foods.
- Model healthy eating: Your child is more likely to try new foods if they see you enjoying them. Make a point of eating a variety of foods and demonstrating a positive attitude towards mealtime.
- Keep it low-pressure: Avoid forcing your child to eat or using food as a reward or punishment. Instead, focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable mealtime experience.
Goally’s apps for neurodivergent kids can also help create a positive mealtime environment by providing visual schedules and reminders to keep your child on track during meals.
Read more: High Functioning Autism Eating Habits | How to Help
Strategies for Introducing New Foods
Introducing new foods to a selective eater can be challenging, but these strategies can help make the process smoother:
- Start small: Introduce new foods in small amounts alongside familiar favorites. This can help your child feel less overwhelmed and more willing to try something new.
- Focus on sensory aspects: If your child is sensitive to textures or tastes, try offering new foods with similar sensory properties to their preferred choices. For example, if your child enjoys crunchy foods, try introducing raw vegetables or whole-grain crackers.
- Make it fun: Get creative with food presentation, such as arranging foods into fun shapes or using colorful plates and utensils. This can make new foods more appealing and less intimidating.
- Be patient: It may take multiple exposures to a new food before your child is willing to try it. Keep offering the food without pressure, and celebrate small victories when they do take a bite.
Remember, patience is key when introducing new foods to your autistic child. Goally’s learning tablet can be a valuable resource in tracking your child’s progress and providing encouragement along the way.
Seek Professional Help
If your child’s eating difficulties persist or you’re concerned about their nutrition, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. An occupational therapist can assess your child’s feeding skills and provide strategies to address sensory issues or oral-motor difficulties. A registered dietitian can help ensure your child is meeting their nutritional needs and suggest dietary modifications or supplements if needed.
According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, behavioral interventions led by trained therapists can significantly improve mealtime behaviors and food acceptance in children with autism. These interventions typically involve gradually exposing the child to new foods through play and positive reinforcement.
Goally | Visual Scheduler for Autism
Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.
As a final thought, I want to emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself as a caregiver. Mealtime struggles can be emotionally and physically draining. Make sure to prioritize your own nutrition and well-being, too. Seek support from family, friends, or a therapist if needed. You can’t pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re doing an amazing job supporting your neurodivergent child.
Resources:
FAQs about What Do You Do If Your Autistic Child Won’t Eat?
Why won't my autistic child eat certain foods?
Autistic children often have sensory sensitivities that make certain textures, smells, or tastes overwhelming. They may also have strong preferences or aversions based on these sensory experiences.
How can I encourage my autistic child to try new foods?
Gradually introduce new foods alongside familiar favorites, and make the experience positive and stress-free. Consistency and patience are key—repeated exposure can help increase acceptance over time.
What should I do if my child refuses to eat anything at all?
Consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any medical issues and to develop a tailored feeding plan. Involving a dietitian or a therapist who specializes in feeding issues can also provide valuable strategies and support.
Are there any specific techniques that can help with feeding issues in autistic children?
Using visual schedules, social stories, and incorporating sensory play can help make mealtime more predictable and enjoyable. These techniques can reduce anxiety and improve overall mealtime behavior.
Is it okay to give my child supplements if they are not eating well?
Always consult with a healthcare professional before giving any supplements. They can help determine if supplements are necessary and ensure they are safe and appropriate for your child's needs.
This post was originally published on 05/12/2023. It was updated on 05/17/2024
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
