How to Deal with Picky Eaters for Children with Autism?

April marks World Autism Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Alongside the advocacy for understanding and acceptance, it is essential to address one of the common challenges faced by parents of children with autism: picky eating.

If you have a picky eater with autism, know that you are not alone. Research shows that children with autism have higher tendencies to experience mealtime challenges, such as narrow food selections, ritualistic behaviours, and tantrums when eating.

For many families, meal me can often feel like a battlefield. However, with patience, understanding, creativity, and a few strategies in your pocket, the journey to expand your child’s food variety can become a rewarding experience.

Here are some ways to nurture healthy eating habits for picky eaters with autism:

1. Understanding Their Sensitivities

The first step in helping your child overcome picky eating habits is to understand the root cause. Sensory sensitivities are prevalent among children with autism and can significantly impact their relationship with food. Remember that it may not just be the flavour of the food that triggers aversion, but it could be the texture, colours, or smells that are overwhelming.

Observe your child’s preferences and aversions and take note of the specific foods and textures they like or avoid. You can even keep a food journal to document the journey to help you make informed decisions and better tailor your approach when introducing new foods.

For instance, if you find your child to be averse to tomatoes, try introducing tomatoes in various forms: mashed, sliced, diced, with different colours, and using different types of tomatoes with varying tastes. By experimenting with different preparations, you can better understand which aspects of the tomato are aversive to your child, allowing you to tailor your approach accordingly.

2. Introduce New Foods Gradually

Patience is key when expanding your child’s food selection. Start small by introducing new foods alongside their familiar favourites. Incorporate preferred flavours, textures, or colours slowly into the new dishes to increase the chances of acceptance.

For instance, if your child struggles with eating plain rice due to its texture, consider introducing alternatives such as rice porridge (congee). Start with a smoother consistency by using more liquid in the porridge, and gradually reduce the amount of liquid as your child becomes more comfortable with the texture. This gradual transition allows your child to adjust at their own pace, making the experience more manageable and enjoyable.

Offer praise and positive reinforcement or rewards when your child tries a new food, no matter how small the bite taken. Avoid measures of pressure or coercion, as this can lead to mealtime anxiety and resistance.

3. Create a Positive Food Tasting Environment

Make food exploration a pleasant and enjoyable experience for your child. Create a calm, fun, and inviting atmosphere during mealtimes, minimising distractions, and incorporating visual supports if needed.

Involve your child in meal preparation whenever possible, allowing them to participate in choosing ingredients or in simple tasks like stirring or mixing.

For example, you can use veggies to create fun faces on pizza or use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches into playful designs. By engaging them in the process, you can instil a sense of ownership and excitement about trying new foods.

4. Avoid Exploring New Foods at Main Mealtimes

It is deeply important to reserve main mealtimes for familiar foods to maintain a positive association with mealtimes. Avoid introducing new or potentially aversive foods during these times, as it may disrupt the established routine and lead to mealtime battles. Instead, explore new foods during snack times or other occasions when your child is not too hungry. This approach allows for experimentation without the pressure of a full meal.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Progress may be slow, and setbacks are to be expected, but consistency is key. Be patient with your child and celebrate small victories along the way. Understand that it may take multiple attempts before your child accepts a new food and be prepared for trials and errors. Continuously offer a variety of foods slowly, even if they are initially rejected, and remain persistent in your efforts to expand their palate.

Conclusion

In celebrating World Autism Awareness Month, let us foster a culture of understanding and acceptance for individuals with autism, starting with something as fundamental as mealtime. Dealing with picky eating can indeed be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, parents can help their children with autism develop healthier eating habits. Just remember that progress takes time and setbacks are part of the journey. Every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating, and with patience and persistence, you can transform mealtime from a battleground into a joyous occasion for the whole family.

For more information and resources on supporting children with autism, you can contact Miles Autism Academy via WhatsApp at +6010 982 9006 or, email at hello@milesautism.com.my for more educational trips or customized trainings and workshops catering to your needs.

Article written by Ummul Hadhirah, Senior Behaviour Therapist of Miles Autism Academy.