Read this post if you wonder if picky eating is common in Autism and what to do about it.
Find out why Autistic children are often fussy with food, what its consequences are, and what you can do to help.
Picky eating can be a significant challenge for families with children on the Autism spectrum.
Not only do these children often have limited food choices, making it difficult for parents to provide nutritious meals, but fussy eating can also lead to difficulty in socializing and cause stress for the whole family.
Some children with autism have specific meal rules and preferences, such as always using the same spoon or plate or only wanting food made a certain way or of a particular type.
Others may dislike certain foods or whole food groups or may only prefer one type of food.
Moreover, rigid and ritualistic behaviours typical for Autism, may be linked to the children’s desire for consistency in the taste and texture of food, which can affect their willingness to try new or different foods.
Food selectivity in children with autism is a chronic problem that is unlikely to change without treatment.
This post will address the reasons for selective eating in Autism, its effects, and potential solutions.
Causes of Picky Eating in Autism
Picky eating is a common problem among Autistic children.
These children often have minimal food choices, making it difficult for parents to provide nutritious meals.
Studies have shown that many children with autism are picky eaters.
Some research indicates that up to 70% of children with autism in the study sample had food selectivity issues.
Factors that can contribute to this include the texture, taste, and presentation of food and the type of utensils used.
Sensory issues
Autistic children may not bare how the food feels in their mouth, how it tastes or smells, or how it looks because of their sensory processing issues.
Sensory processing issues often link to this problem. Read my post about Sensory Processing Disorder to learn more.
Autistic children may excessively react to sensations, making certain foods unappealing or even unbearable.
This is known as sensory over-responsivity, commonly found in children with selective eating.
They might be over-sensitive to how food looks, tastes, smells or feels.
Tactile defensiveness
Tactile defensiveness is another condition that can contribute to picky eating in children with autism.
It is when a child has an extreme reaction to touch and can result in negative behaviours when touched.
This sensitivity can make it difficult for children with autism to tolerate different food textures, which can limit their food choices.
Social difficulties
Autistic children may find socialising with people difficult.
Their difficulties with social interactions may cause them anxiety when eating around other people, who can also make them refuse to eat certain foods.
Poor motor skills
We know that children with autism often have poor fine motor skills. To learn more about fine motor skills read here.
These skills are necessary for mealtime.
If a child has problems using a spoon or a fork, for example, they may not be willing to try certain foods.
Other problems
It is essential to mention that some children with autism may have a condition called avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), similar to selective eating.
Consequences of Picky Eating in Autism
Research has shown that autistic children sensitive to certain things, like tastes and textures, are more likely to be picky eaters.
Nutrition
Picky eating can lead to children not getting all the necessary nutrients.
Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can improve social behaviour, concentration, and overall behaviour in Autistic children.
Additionally, children with autism and developmental delays may not get enough iron and zinc in their diet, affecting their behaviour, speech, and thinking.
Atypical eating habits, problems with the muscles used for eating, and lack of good food often cause your child to be selective with their food and eating habits.
Low levels of iron and zinc can lead to a condition called pica, where children with autism put non-food items in their mouths, such as dirt or sand.
Family life
Picky eating in children with Autism Spectrum Condition can disrupt daily activities, negatively impact relationships between the child and their parent, and impact a family’s quality of life.
One study found that mothers of children with autism who are picky eaters feel stressed and upset when their child has a substantial adverse reaction to food during mealtime.
Moreover, research does not support the belief that children naturally outgrow their food selectivity.
Families are then often faced with picky eating for a long time.
What can you do about Picky Eating in Autism?- Strategies to help your child.
Children with autism may have difficulty handling food and may react with fear, aggression, or avoidance.
Taking a holistic approach when addressing feeding issues in children with autism might be a way to go.
Before starting any treatment, it is essential to rule out any medical reasons for the child’s feeding problems or difficulty with using their mouth.
Professional help for picky eating in Autism
To address food selectivity, a team of professionals, including occupational therapists, dietitians, and psychologists, can work together.
They can create a plan that teaches children to prepare food, learn through experience, and build trust with their parents.
An occupational therapist can help reduce stress during mealtime by suggesting environmental changes such as dimming the lights or playing soft music.
They can also work with a dietitian and family to develop a plan to help the child accept different types of food.
You may also use Behaviour Analytic treatment to help the child with feeding issues by using praise, rewards and other techniques to teach the child to accept different types of food.
What can parents do about picky eating in Autism?
Parents should be aware of the potential for nutritional deficiencies in their children with autism.
It would be best if you aimed for a balanced and varied diet that is moderate in size and enjoyable for the child.
It’s essential to stick to a daily schedule for meals and snacks and not to let the child graze or snack throughout the day.
Hunger can be a powerful motivator to try new foods.
Additionally, limiting the child’s access to liquids between meals is essential, as some children may prefer to drink instead of eat.
Set a specific time limit for meals, such as 15-20 minutes.
When introducing new foods, starting with a “formerly preferred food” is beneficial.
It is food that the child used to eat or food similar in taste or texture to something they currently eat.
Start with a tiny portion of the new food to avoid overwhelming the child.
Some feeding therapists use the child’s preferred food as a “reward” for trying the non-preferred food.
In contrast, others use toys or activities as a reward.
It’s important to note that different motivators may work for different children, and those reward systems may need to be changed periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
When introducing new foods, it’s often easier to start with pureed or soft foods( such as yoghurt or applesauce) as these foods are more likely to be accepted and swallowed.
Gradually increase the portion size once the child consistently accepts the new food.
This step-by-step approach increases the likelihood of success in introducing new foods.
When providing support, it is important to consider the child’s specific needs and preferences. With the right approach and help, children with autism can learn to enjoy a variety of foods and achieve optimal nutrition.
To help your child with picky eating remember to:
- Identify the underlying causes
- Create a structured routine
- Introduce new foods gradually
- Use rewards and incentives
- Incorporate an interdisciplinary approach
- Create a positive feeding environment
- Be patient and consistent
In conclusion, picky eating is a common issue among children with autism and can create significant challenges for families.
It is important to understand that this behaviour is often linked to the children’s desire for consistency and ritualistic behaviour.
Parents should work with professionals such as registered dietitians, occupational therapists or speech therapists to create a specific meal plan that addresses their child’s individual needs.
Additionally, implementing a structured routine around mealtimes, including a consistent schedule and familiar setting, can help to reduce stress and increase the chances of successful mealtime.
With proper guidance and support, children with autism can learn to expand their food choices and develop healthy eating habits.
Let me know in the comments what foods your child refuses to eat.
Pin it!
