Autism, Picky Eating, and Your Child: 4 Steps for Introducing New Foods Successfully
One of the most common reasons a parent reaches out to me is that their kiddo on the autism spectrum is a picky eater.
Day after day they place a dish on the table and think, “I hope my child will eat this!” or “I just want them to eat something!”
If you’re reading this post I bet you can relate.
There is a lot of research showing that children on the spectrum are more likely to be picky eaters. In fact one study showed that 70-90% of parents who have a child on the spectrum report their kiddo to be a selective eater.
Autism, Picky Eating, and a Plan for Introducing New Foods
1. Identify Your Child’s Sensory Profile
When trying to get your child to eat new foods, you’ll want to take their sensory preferences into account.
Think about the foods that your child does like eating - what textures, colors, flavors and temperatures are those foods? Now think of other foods that are similar to introduce to your child.
This is the most important first step in helping a child with autism overcome picky eating.
2. Make Small Changes
Look at what your child is happy to eat, and think of new ways you can serve that food item. For example, if your kiddo will eat beef meatballs, try serving turkey meatballs.
The goal is for your child to be aware that there is a change and still accept the food.
3. Only Introduce One New Food At a Time
Add a small portion of a new food item to your child’s plate next to food that your kiddo already really likes. Starting with just one new food at a time in a small portion alongside a preferred or safe food can help reduce overwhelm at mealtime.
Don’t make a big deal about your child trying this food. Instead, involve your child in conversation about the food and describe what it’s like. Instead of just saying “this is so yummy” say, “this is so yummy, it’s crunchy and salty” if those are textures and flavors your kiddo likes.
Helping a child with autism understand what to expect before eating a new food can reduce sensory overwhelm.
One of my clients was able to introduce pears by having her son’s brother model eating them:
4. Be Consistent in Introducing New Foods
By consistently adding a new food to your child’s plate you will help your child see that this is a normal part of their mealtime routine.
Remember, helping your child with autism overcome picky eating will take some time. Don’t try to rush your child into accepting new foods because eating really can be such an overwhelming sensory experience for kiddos on the spectrum. This is why pushing them to eat new foods can lead to mealtime meltdowns.
It’s okay for your child to first just touch a new food during one mealtime, and then smell it the next time, and then taste it the time after that, and then let you know if they like it or not. Many parents are surprised to learn that it takes at least 10 times of exposing a child to a new food for them to decide to try it. For kids on the autism spectrum, this can be closer to 25-30.
If you would like step-by-step guidance for helping your child, check out my membership, the Nourishing Autism Collective. In it I share with you exactly what to do to help your child expand what they’ll eat.
