Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit selective eating habits, commonly referred to as "picky eating." These behaviors may stem from sensory sensitivities, rigid routines, or other autism-related factors.
At Providence Community ABA - Stafford, VA, we know that understanding these underlying causes and implementing effective strategies can help caregivers support healthier eating patterns in children with ASD.
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Sensory Sensitivities and Food Preferences
Many children with autism are highly sensitive to the sensory properties of food, such as texture, color, smell, and taste. For example, a child might strongly prefer soft or creamy foods like yogurt while rejecting items with mixed textures, such as soup with vegetables.
These preferences are not simply dislikes but are deeply rooted in sensory processing differences. Sensory-friendly utensils or plates with compartments may help by minimizing overwhelming stimuli, like food textures mixing.
Ritualistic Eating Behaviors
Children with ASD may develop specific rituals around eating, such as:
Insisting that foods not touch each other on the plate.
Eating foods in a particular order or shape.
Using the same utensils or cups for every meal.
These behaviors provide predictability, reducing anxiety during meals. For example, one family helped their child by creating a customized placemat with visual cues for where each food item should go.
This gave the child a sense of control and comfort while gradually introducing new foods.
Addressing Picky Eating in Children with Autism
Managing picky eating requires creativity and consistency. Here are strategies that caregivers can try:
1. Introduce New Foods Gradually
Start with small portions of new foods alongside familiar favorites. For example, if a child loves crackers, pair them with a small piece of cheese to expand their palette.
Use sensory-friendly activities, such as letting the child touch or smell the new food before tasting it, to ease anxiety.
2. Maintain Consistent Mealtime Routines
Predictable schedules help reduce mealtime anxiety. Serve meals at the same time and place each day.
Use a visual schedule to show the child what to expect, such as breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner times, with pictures of the foods being served.
3. Leverage Technology
Apps like ChoiceWorks or Autism Mealtime Helper provide visual aids to help children navigate mealtimes.
Create interactive games where trying a new food earns points toward a reward.
4. Involve the Child in Food Preparation
Allow children to help prepare meals. For example, a child might enjoy stirring pancake batter or arranging fruit slices on a plate.
This involvement increases familiarity and reduces resistance to new foods.
Personal Story: Jason's Journey
Jason, a 6-year-old with autism, would only eat beige foods like bread, crackers, and pasta. His parents tried repeatedly to introduce vegetables, but Jason’s aversion to the textures and colors led to meltdowns.
After consulting with a behavioral therapist, they began introducing new foods slowly, pairing vegetables with Jason’s favorite foods. They also used a placemat with sections to separate foods and provided Jason with a textured fork he found more comfortable. Over time, Jason began eating carrots and cucumbers without resistance.
This success shows that small, consistent changes can lead to significant progress.
When to Seek Professional Help
If picky eating leads to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or severe stress, it may be time to consult professionals.
Conditions like Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) are more prevalent in children with autism and require specialized intervention. Registered dietitians or feeding therapists can create tailored strategies to address these challenges effectively.
Call to Action: Tools for Healthier Mealtimes
Picky eating can be challenging, but with patience, creativity, and the right tools, children with autism can expand their food preferences and enjoy balanced diets. Start by trying some of the strategies listed above.
If you need personalized guidance, contact us at Providence Community ABA Clinic. To learn how we can support your family through customized behavioral therapy programs. Share this post with other caregivers to spread awareness and practical solutions for picky eating.
If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Providence Community ABA Clinic, where we are dedicated to helping children with autism achieve their full potential.