Navigating Eating Changes with Autistic Children: Tips and Strategies for Parents

Introducing new foods to your autistic child can be a challenging and sometimes daunting task. However, with gentle and understanding approaches, you can help make this process smoother and more effective.

A Conversational Approach

Starting with a conversation can be a powerful tool in understanding your child's preferences and concerns. As an adult, you are familiar with the benefits of dietary choices like being vegan or gluten-free. Understand that your child might feel the same way about food choices. It's important to acknowledge and respect their preferences while gently explaining the reasons behind your needs or restrictions.

For example, if a child is vegan due to concerns about animals, explain that while this is a valid choice, they might need to eat some meat occasionally because it's important to get the right nutrition. You might say, 'I can see that you would prefer to be vegan because you are concerned about animals, but our neighbors are helping us with meals, and it's important for us to get all the protein we need. So you might have to eat some meat occasionally just for now until things get better.'

Low Pressure Introduction

Avoid forcing your child to eat new foods immediately. Instead, make them available and optional. Unless medical professionals suggest otherwise, it may not be necessary to make significant changes to their diet. Remember that most children go through stages where they only want a specific food, whether it's peanut butter and jelly or chicken nuggets. Although this can be frustrating, it often doesn’t have long-term health consequences.

If new foods are available but not forced, your child will likely try them out of curiosity. Seeing other family members enjoying and not getting sick from these foods can also encourage them to give it a try. For instance, when I was a young child, I was worried that non-kosher foods would lead to food poisoning. However, seeing that everyone in my family ate bacon and pepperoni pizza without any negative outcomes helped me overcome that fear. It would have been more helpful if my family had let me express my concerns first.

Understanding Texture Preferences

Autistic individuals, especially, can have specific texture preferences that make certain foods difficult or nearly impossible to tolerate. Not tolerating a food doesn't mean the child is choosing to throw it up; they simply can't eat it. For example, I have a very hard time eating any soup or cooked vegetables, as they remind me of already swallowed food. Raw vegetables are often a better option because they contain the same vitamins and minerals in a form that is more tolerable.

For instance, if your child doesn't like wet cereal, you can try giving them dry cereal and a separate glass of milk. This way, you can maintain a balanced diet while respecting their preferences. The internet offers various options and solutions, making it relatively easy to find nutritious alternatives. If your child dislikes bananas but needs more potassium, you can look up alternative options. For instance, try fruits like avocados, which are rich in potassium and might be more appealing to them.

Seeking Professional Help

If you're seriously concerned about your child's nutrition, bring it up during their wellness exams. Consulting a feeding therapist who also has experience with neurodivergent children can provide valuable insights and support. Professionals can help identify issues early and suggest appropriate solutions, such as tube feedings or total parenteral nutrition (TPN), if necessary.

Remember, introducing new foods to an autistic child requires patience, understanding, and the willingness to adapt. With these strategies and support from professionals, you can help your child develop a more diverse and healthier diet.