From Fussy to Foodie: Overcoming Picky Eating in Kids with Autism

As a parent of a child with autism, you might find yourself facing some tough mealtime struggles. Your child may be picky about certain foods, resist trying new things, or stick to just a handful of familiar foods. While these eating habits can be frustrating, it's helpful to know that picky eating is actually quite common for kids with autism.

In fact, research shows that up to 70% of kids with autism experience some form of feeding difficulty. The good news is that with the right support and strategies, you can help your child work through picky eating habits and develop a healthier relationship with food.

Understanding Picky Eating in Kids with Autism

There are a few reasons why kids with autism may be picky eaters. One common reason is sensory issues. Many children with autism are sensitive to certain tastes, textures, smells, or even how food looks. For example, they might struggle with the texture of certain foods, like mushy or crunchy ones, or find strong smells—like spices—unpleasant. Sometimes, even how food is arranged on the plate or its color can be off-putting.

Another reason kids with autism may be picky eaters is their need for routine. Children with autism often feel more comfortable when things are predictable. So, when mealtimes or food choices change, it can feel overwhelming and lead to resistance to trying new foods.

Finally, anxiety and stress can play a role. Kids with autism may find mealtimes stressful, especially if they have trouble communicating their preferences. This can make them anxious and more likely to avoid unfamiliar foods.

Read more here about the link between autism and diet and why diet is so important for our kids.

Consequences of Picky Eating in Kids with Autism

While picky eating in kids with autism might seem like just a phase, it can have a bigger impact if it’s not addressed. If your child’s diet is too limited, they may not get the nutrients they need, which can affect their health and growth.

Picky eating can also make family mealtimes stressful and frustrating. It might feel like a constant struggle to get your child to eat certain foods or even enough food. This can leave you feeling guilty and powerless, and it can affect the overall mood and harmony in your home.

Identifying Picky Eating Behaviors

Identifying picky eating habits in your child with autism can be tricky, especially since some behaviors can overlap with other challenges. But there are a few signs you can look for that might indicate picky eating, such as:

• Refusing to eat certain foods or food groups

• Eating only a small variety of foods

• Preferring certain textures or flavors (like crunchy vs. soft)

• Avoiding foods based on how they look, like their color or how they’re arranged on the plate

• Having strong reactions to certain foods, like gagging or vomiting

• Feeling anxious or upset during mealtimes

• Sticking to rigid routines, like eating foods in a certain order or only at certain times

  
  

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s healthcare provider to rule out any medical issues or nutritional concerns.

Strategies to Help Your Child Overcome Picky Eating Habits

If your child has picky eating habits, don’t worry—there are several strategies you can try to help them become more open to new foods. Here are some simple tips to get started:

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Mealtime Environment

One of the first steps in addressing picky eating habits for kids is to create a sensory-friendly mealtime environment. Start by minimizing distractions, such as television or electronic devices, and creating a calm and quiet atmosphere. You may also want to consider using a specific plate like this parent and kid favorite or utensils that your child is comfortable with, and incorporating sensory toys or fidgets to help your child stay calm and focused during mealtime.

Introducing New Foods to Your Child

Introducing new foods to your child’s diet can feel like a big challenge, but there are simple ways to make it easier. Start by offering small amounts of new foods along with the foods your child already likes. This way, they’re not overwhelmed by too many new things at once. You can also try sneaking new foods into familiar meals—like adding vegetables to pasta sauce or mixing them into a smoothie. And most importantly, be patient and keep offering new foods regularly, even if your child isn’t interested at first.

Tips for Meal Planning and Preparation

Meal planning and preparation can be a big help in getting your child to try new foods. One idea is to involve your child in planning the meals by letting them choose some of the foods you’ll serve. You can also mix new foods into familiar dishes, as we mentioned earlier, or make mealtime fun by arranging fruits and veggies into colorful shapes or a rainbow. Most importantly, stay flexible and be open to your child’s preferences. If they refuse a food repeatedly, don’t hesitate to offer something else they might enjoy.

Getting Professional Support

If your child’s picky eating habits are lasting or seem really severe, it might be helpful to get support from an expert. A nutritionist or feeding therapist can assess your child’s nutritional needs and create a personalized plan to address picky eating. They can also offer helpful advice and strategies to make mealtimes easier and help your child build healthier eating habits. An occupational therapist trained in sensory feeding can also work with your child to address feeding textures and other sensory sensitivities.

Staying Encouraged When It Comes to Picky Eating

While picky eating can be a tough challenge for kids with autism, it’s important to remember that it’s possible to help your child become a more adventurous eater. By understanding the reasons behind picky eating, creating a sensory-friendly mealtime space, introducing new foods in a fun and consistent way, and getting expert help when needed, you can support your child in developing healthier eating habits and trying a wider range of foods. With patience, persistence, a bit of creativity, and some extra guidance, you can help your child build a positive relationship with food and go from being a picky eater to enjoying a variety of meals.

Download the FREE Sensory-Friendly Mealtime Checklist!

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You may also like these related posts:

Beyond "Just Try It": Supporting Sensory-Sensitive Picky Eaters

Helping Picky Eaters and Sensory-Sensitive Feeders: Tackling Texture Issues

All blog content shared through HealthSmart! Kids is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always talk with your qualified health care provider for managing your health care needs.