Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for any child’s health, growth, and development. Good, healthy eating habits can be particularly important for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you’re parenting a child with autism, you’re probably familiar with eating-related challenges like food aversions and sensitivities. Some children on the spectrum also have behavioral issues that make mealtime more challenging. Inadequate nutrition is more common among children with autism. Kids on the spectrum often avoid specific foods, have difficulty sitting through mealtimes, and are more likely to have mealtime challenges like tantrums or ritualistic eating behaviors.
Healthy eating habits are essential for:
- Brain Development
- Addressing Sensory Sensitivities
- Physical Health
- Managing Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues
- Enhancing Focus and Attention
- Teaching Lifelong Skills
- Improving Sleep Patterns
5 Behaviors Affecting Eating Habits & Food Choices
Every child (neurodivergent or not) is unique. However, there are a few familiar behaviors among children with autism that can affect eating habits.
1. Strong Food Dislikes: Some kids on the spectrum are sensitive to the taste, smell, color, and texture of foods.
2. Picky Eating: Children may develop strong preferences for certain foods, colors, or brands and have a hard time eating anything but those specific items.
3. Sensory Issues: Kids with autism or sensory processing disorders may avoid some foods and even whole food groups with certain textures like slippery or soft foods.
4. Not Eating Enough: Sitting down and eating a meal from beginning to end can be especially challenging for kids with ASD, especially if they have difficulty focusing on one task at a time.
5. Medication Interactions: Some stimulant medications commonly prescribed to children with autism can lower appetite.
Healthy Eating Techniques for Kids With Autism
If you’re parenting a child with ASD, try these strategies to help ensure they’re getting proper nutrients.
Prepare Your Picky Eater
Is it impossible to get your child to try something new? Sensitivity to tastes, colors, smells, and textures is a significant hurdle to overcome for little ones. Ease into new food groups by starting with small amounts. Another way to overcome pickiness is to let your kid choose a new food from the supermarket. Grocery shopping is a low-pressure way to become familiar with new foods.
Stick to a Routine
Children with ASD often respond well to routine and predictability, so having regular meal times can make the eating experience more comfortable. Eating meals and snacks at the same time every day is one of the simplest ways to reduce mealtime stress!
Give Them Food They Like
Remember, autism or not, most children can be fussy and particular about their food. Include your child’s favorite foods alongside new or less preferred meals. Having something familiar on their plate helps them feel more comfortable.
Speak to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
A pediatric dietitian can identify nutritional risks based on your child’s eating habits. If you’re considering a special diet, like a gluten- or casein-free diet, to improve symptoms of ASD, always speak to a professional beforehand.
Stay Calm
Finally, as a parent, one of the best things you can do is stay calm and positive during mealtime. Do your best to avoid creating a stressful environment, as stress can negatively impact eating behaviors.
