Nutrition Basics for Autistic Children: Getting Started in 5 Easy Steps
Feeding a child with autism can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with picky eating, food refusal, or a very limited list of accepted foods. But know that you’re not alone, and there are simple, manageable steps you can take to support your child’s nutrition.
This blog breaks down some of the most common nutrition challenges autistic children face and gives you five practical, evidence-informed strategies to help them get the nourishment they need in a way that feels safe, supportive, and low-stress.
Common Nutrition Challenges in Autistic Children
Children with autism often experience struggles with nutrition that can be related to how their brains process information. While it may take some time to navigate these challenges, there are tools you can use to help your child overcome nutrition roadblocks. Here are some of the most common nutrition challenges we see in autistic children:
Sensory sensitivities - Your child may avoid certain foods based on texture, color, appearance, smell or taste. Some kiddos may have a very small list of “safe” foods they are willing to eat, and that can make it difficult for them to meet their nutrition needs.
Food aversions and refusal - Some autistic kids will avoid entire food groups (like meat or vegetables), and refuse to eat them altogether. This puts them at greater risk for nutrient deficiencies, and can make mealtimes a struggle. This blog goes more in depth on autism and food aversions, with ideas for helping your child accept new foods and expand their list of safe foods.
Limited variety and rigid food preferences - Selective eating is common in kids with autism. Their desire for sameness and structure can impact the foods they choose to eat, so sometimes we need to gently guide them in trying new foods to increase their nutrient intake. Here is a great resource on food chaining, which is one strategy you could try to build on their preferred foods and expand the variety of foods your child eats.
Gastrointestinal Issues - Since the brain and gut are so closely connected, we often see children with autism struggle with tummy issues like constipation, diarrhea, and stomach aches. Gut issues can also impact a child’s nutrition intake or food preferences. You can learn more about the gut-brain connection, and its effect on autism here.
Nutrient deficiencies - Because of the restricted diet many kids with autism experience, they are more at risk for nutrient deficiencies. Although it varies from child to child (depending on what foods they eat), the most common deficiencies seen in children with autism are Vitamins A, C, D, and E, fiber, magnesium, and iron. [1]
5 Simple Steps to Support Nutrition in Children with Autism
Now that we’ve covered the reasons why autistic children may struggle to meet their nutrition needs, let's look at some ways you can help support their nutrition and better help them nourish their bodies.
Step 1 - Focus on a Balanced Plate
For balanced meals and snacks, try to include protein, fruits and veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. If you have a selective eater, it may take some time before they will accept and eat those foods, so don’t worry if you feel like your child is nowhere near having a balanced plate.
Here are some examples of foods you could include from each of the groups mentioned above:
Protein: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish, Beans, Eggs, Dairy
Fruits and Veggies: Apples, Bananas, Oranges, Berries, Peas, Carrots, Greens, Pumpkin, Squash, Green beans, Broccoli (there are so many options, so use any fruits or vegetables your child likes!)
Whole Grains: Whole wheat bread or pasta, Brown rice, Oats, Quinoa, Barley
Healthy Fats: Avocado, Nuts and seeds (including nut butters), Olive oil, Salmon
If your child is a selective eater, you could use food chaining to help add nourishing foods to their diet.
Maybe your child loves macaroni and cheese - you could start with their favorite mac and cheese and add a teaspoon of pureed butternut squash to it. Once your child accepts that, you would add a bigger amount of pureed butternut squash, then you might try adding a couple of very small squares of steamed butternut squash, and then gradually reduce the amount of mac and cheese, until finally they are eating the butternut squash on its own.
Just be sure to tell your child what you are doing, and continue to serve their favorite mac and cheese on its own as well. We’re not trying to sneak anything in or trick them, as that could backfire and lead to them refusing the mac and cheese altogether. Baby steps are key!
Step 2 – Identify and Support Nutrient Gaps
Since children with autism are more likely to be deficient in various nutrients, it is important to try to bridge any nutritional gaps, either through foods or supplements. While our top goal is for your child to eat a wide variety of nourishing foods, it may take some time to expand their diet, especially if your child is a selective eater. So, while you are working on adding in new foods to boost your child’s nutrient intake, a supplement may be helpful.
Since many children with autism are deficient in a variety of nutrients, a multivitamin could be a good place to start. We have a round-up of the Best Multivitamins for Autism to get you started.
Another supplement that can be helpful is an Omega-3 supplement. Kids with autism don’t typically consume foods that are good sources of omega-3’s, like fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds, so a supplement may be a good idea. Studies show that omega-3 supplementation can improve some autism-related behaviors and communication skills. [2] This blog includes some fish oil supplements that we recommend.
If you’re not sure what supplements may be right for your child, consult a dietitian or other healthcare provider - they can review your child’s history, medications, and diet, and recommend the best supplements for your child.
Step 3 – Prioritize Gut Health
You may have heard that the gut and brain are connected, and this link can have a big impact on conditions like autism. The gut-brain axis is a complex communication system between the brain, central nervous system, and the gut, which includes the stomach, intestines, and the trillions of bacteria (known as the microbiota) that live there. [3]
The bacteria in our gut help send messages between the gut and the brain, which means they can influence how the brain functions, both positively and negatively. In children with autism, disruptions in this gut-brain communication are often linked to changes in behavior, speech, and sleep, especially when gut health is compromised. [4]
Our goal is to optimize gut health to keep the brain functioning at its best. Here are a few ideas to keep the gut healthy:
Include food with probiotics - yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables
Choose foods high in fiber (they feed healthy bacteria in the gut!) - Fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds
Focus on hydration - make sure your child is drinking water throughout the day
Here are 5 gut-friendly recipes you could try:
Step 4 – Reduce Highly Processed Foods (Gradually!)
For children with autism, processed foods can feel comforting due to their consistent texture, color, and taste, which are all qualities that appeal to kids with sensory sensitivities. The predictability of processed foods often makes them a preferred choice.
For busy parents, these foods are also convenient and easy to grab on the go. However, many processed foods contain additives that may negatively impact behavior and overall health, so it's best to try to limit them as much as you can.
If you’re wondering how to transition your kiddo from eating processed foods, here are some simple swaps you could try for processed foods:
Instead of: Packaged Cookies or Crackers
Try: Homemade oatmeal cookies or Energy bites
Instead of: Chicken nuggets
Try: Chicken tenders coated in almond flour and baked, chicken meatballs, or diced chicken dipped in a favorite dip
Instead of: Ice Cream or Frozen Treats
Try: “Nice” cream made with blending frozen bananas or other frozen fruit, or popsicles made with frozen fruit, yogurt, and a splash of 100% juice
Instead of: Buttered noodles
Try: Buttered noodles with tiny veggie “sprinkles” added (think a few small bits of bell pepper, carrot, or broccoli)
The idea isn’t to abruptly cut out every processed food your child enjoys, but instead to gradually make changes or swaps to the processed foods to increase the nutrition and slowly shift them to another less-processed or homemade version of that food.
Just take it one food at a time, and make sure you serve your child’s favorite foods alongside the adapted version of the processed food you are trying to change.
Step 5 – Create a Low-Stress Mealtime Environment
For kids on the spectrum, structure and routine can be comforting, and mealtimes are no exception. For meal time success, here are some ideas you could try:
1. Stick to a Routine
Serve meals and snacks at the same times each day.
Use visual schedules or timers to help your child know when mealtime is coming.
Keep the location and order of events consistent (e.g., wash hands → set the table → sit down to eat).
2. Create a Calm Meal-time Environment
Minimize distractions - turn off the TV, reduce background noise, and keep lighting soft.
Use a designated spot for eating, like the same seat at the table, to build predictability.
Let your child use noise-canceling headphones, a weighted lap pad, or a fidget if it helps them feel calm.
3. Offer Predictable Choices
Give a choice between 2–3 familiar foods, or let your child choose their plate or utensil.
Include at least one “safe” or preferred food on the plate every time, and only offer 1 new food at a time.
Use divided plates to avoid food touching if that’s a sensitivity.
4. Use Visual Supports
Try a visual menu or food chart to show what’s being served.
Use simple pictures to explain expectations: “First eat, then play.”
Countdown timers can help with transitions.
5. Keep Mealtime Positive (No Pressure Zone!)
Avoid pressuring your child to eat certain foods. Instead, encourage, model, and celebrate small steps.
Praise non-eating wins: sitting at the table, trying a new smell or touch, or helping set the table.
Use fun language or games around food (e.g., “Can the broccoli trees stand up?”).
6. Involve Your Child
Let them help with shopping, washing veggies, or stirring. Exposure to foods by helping with food prep can increase the chances that your child will try the food.
Sensory play outside of meal-time (e.g., exploring dry rice, washing fruit) can help them get used to food textures.
When to Get Extra Support
Going through this autism journey alone can be hard! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, are concerned about your child’s health, or just want to connect with someone who understands where you’re at, consider these additional resources:
If mealtimes are a struggle, meet with a registered dietitian or feeding therapist who specializes in autism to work on expanding your child’s diet.
Reach out to other parents in your area or your child’s school district to find out what resources are available for children with autism and their parents. Oftentimes, there are support or playgroups that can be a great way to connect with other autism families!
Join the Nourishing Autism Collective, where you have access to autism resources, registered dietitians, and other moms who are walking alongside you in your autism journey.
Supporting the nutrition needs of a child with autism doesn’t have to mean overhauling your pantry overnight or forcing foods they’re not ready to try. It starts with understanding your child’s unique needs, gently guiding them with small changes, and creating a mealtime environment that feels safe and predictable.
Whether it’s swapping out a processed food, exploring new textures through play, or building a balanced plate one food at a time, every small step adds up. And remember—you don’t have to do this alone. With the right tools, support, and an encouraging community, you can walk through this autism journey with confidence.
👋 Need help with your child’s nutrition and Selective eating?
Join the Nourishing Autism Collective for expert guidance, a supportive community, and sensory-friendly strategies that actually work.
MEET BRITTYN, THE AUTISM DIETITIAN
Brittyn Coleman is a Registered Dietitian and autism specialist. She helps parents of kids on the spectrum expand their number of accepted foods and maximize their nutrition to help them feel their best & thrive!
You can find her on Instagram at @autismdietitian or on Facebook!
References:
[1] Arija V, Esteban-Figuerola P, Morales-Hidalgo P, Jardí C, Canals-Sans J. Nutrient intake and adequacy in children with autism spectrum disorder: EPINED epidemiological study. Autism. 2023 Feb;27(2):371-388. doi: 10.1177/13623613221098237. Epub 2022 Jun 20. PMID: 35722960.
[2] Doaei S, Bourbour F, Teymoori Z, Jafari F, Kalantari N, Abbas Torki S, Ashoori N, Nemat Gorgani S, Gholamalizadeh M. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on social and behavioral disorders of children with autism: a randomized clinical trial. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2021;27(1):12-18. doi: 10.5114/pedm.2020.101806. PMID: 33599431; PMCID: PMC10227477.
[3] Wang Q, Yang Q, Liu X. The microbiota-gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders. Protein Cell. 2023 Oct 25;14(10):762-775. doi: 10.1093/procel/pwad026. PMID: 37166201; PMCID: PMC10599644.
[4] Santocchi E, Guiducci L, Prosperi M, Calderoni S, Gaggini M, Apicella F, Tancredi R, Billeci L, Mastromarino P, Grossi E, Gastaldelli A, Morales MA, Muratori F. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Gastrointestinal, Sensory and Core Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Sep 25;11:550593. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.550593. PMID: 33101079; PMCID: PMC7546872
Updated August 2025
