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How can I help my child with autism eat new foods?
For many parents and caregivers of children with autism, mealtime can become a daily challenge. While we all have preferences for some foods, when it comes to autism and picky eating, the problem goes beyond just taste. Many parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face the challenge of making sure their loved one is getting all the nutrients necessary for their development and wonder, “How can I help my child with autism eat new foods?” While this task may seem complicated, there are ways to approach autism and picky eating in a way that respects your child’s sensory sensitivities and preferences.
Autism and picky eating are a challenge that, according to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, nearly 50% of families with children with autism face, whether it’s problems with feeding, picky eating, unusual patterns when eating, or mealtime rituals.
In this ABA Centers of Washington blog, we will explore a guide with nine picky eating strategies for autism. These strategies are designed especially for introducing new foods in a friendly and sensitive way. Throughout these strategies, you’ll find tips and suggestions that not only help your child explore new tastes and textures but also foster a positive relationship with food.
Autism and Picky Eating: What are the Causes?
Repetitive behaviors or communication difficulties do not just define autism; children with autism also often experience intense sensory sensitivities that can affect their relationship with food.
From a scientific perspective, autism is not the direct cause of food selectivity, but certain traits associated with the disorder may make some children on the spectrum more susceptible to it.
Some typical features of autism are repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities. Individuals with ASD are often more sensitive to textures, tastes, and smells, which can lead to significant food selectivity. Eating, which for many may be an everyday experience, can be a situation filled with overwhelming stimuli for a child with autism.
For example, the texture of a vegetable may seem slimy and unpleasant, making these sensory challenges limit food tolerance and choice.
In addition to sensitivities, some children on the autism spectrum may develop patterns of rigidity or prefer very specific routines, which also affect their food choices. These patterns may cause a child to feel safe eating only certain types of food, and any change in that routine may generate anxiety or discomfort.
Nine Autism Picky Eating Strategies
Parents and caregivers need to approach autism and picky eating with patience and understanding. While your primary concern may be that your child is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy, pressuring and forcing your child to eat certain foods makes the situation worse.
To make this process easier, here are nine practical steps for introducing new foods in a sensory-friendly way.
- Understand their Sensory Preferences
Before trying to introduce new foods, observe your child’s patterns: Does your child prefer soft or crunchy textures? Does your child avoid specific colors or temperatures? Knowing these preferences is vital, as it will allow you to choose foods that respect their sensitivities and may be less challenging to try.
- Introduce New Foods with a Familiar Presentation
One effective way is to offer a new food paired with something your child already knows and enjoys. If they like pasta, try adding a new vegetable in small amounts. Maintaining a familiar environment and presentation will help them feel confident in the process.
- Start with Small Steps
Children with autism are more comfortable with routine, so small changes over time may be more manageable than drastic, rapid changes. If you know your child enjoys eating cookies of a particular brand, try introducing a similar type of cookie from another brand to expand their comfort zone slowly.
- Allow Sensory Exploration without Forced Eating
Allowing your child to explore the food with their hands or even just observing it without pressure can be a great way to familiarize them. Instead of asking them to try a new food directly, let them approach and explore at their own pace. This gradual exposure approach helps the food become more familiar to them.
- Support the Process with Positive Reinforcement.
Praise and patience can make a big difference. Praise your child when they make the effort to try something new, even if they don’t get to eat it. This positive reinforcement not only motivates children to keep trying but also helps them associate mealtime with pleasant experiences.
- Incorporate Visuals and Games
The introduction of new food alternatives through games can be beneficial. Try color games (“What color is this vegetable?”) or shapes, and encourage your children to experiment in a playful way. Children on the spectrum may respond well to games and clear visuals that help them process information.
- Use the Gradual Exposure Technique
Introducing new foods slowly and steadily can be essential. Gradual exposure techniques involve presenting the food several times in different contexts without pressuring them to eat it. Studies from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health show that using individualized reinforcement and gradual exposure can increase flexibility in food intake in children with ASD. Patience is critical in this process.
- Try Different Presentations
Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables may be the ones your child rejects the most. However, incorporating them into alternative and fun preparations, such as smoothies, can make the process more friendly to your child’s sensory sensitivities.
- Seek Professional Support
Autism and picky eating may require the support of a professional to develop personalized strategies to address feeding challenges. Autism therapists can apply desensitization techniques to certain textures and incorporate games that facilitate progress in accepting new foods.
How ABA Therapy Can Aid in the Process
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy can be an effective tool for addressing autism and picky eating. Through play-based techniques, ABA helps children develop coping skills, reduce anxiety, and increase flexibility around food. ABA therapists work together with parents and caregivers to set achievable food goals and personalized reinforcements that make the child more comfortable trying new foods. This structured, customized approach facilitates the introduction of foods in a respectful, non-pressured manner.
An example of ABA therapy applied to autism and picky eating is the introduction of a new food along with the child’s favorite food. The therapist provides a reward if the child smells or touches this new food. The ABA process with autism and picky eating is developed with patience while avoiding overwhelming the child.
Access Professional Autism Support with ABA Centers of Washington
Navigating autism with a loved one can be challenging. From communication difficulties and complex behaviors to sensory sensitivities, each unique aspect of autism requires specialized attention and support.
At ABA Centers of Washington, we provide comprehensive support to neurodiverse families, no matter what challenges they face. We understand that picky eating in autism is a significant challenge; with a structured approach like ABA therapy, caregivers can help their loved ones build a positive relationship with food and include healthy options in their diet to support their well-being.
To learn more about ABA therapy, its benefits, and how we can help with autism and picky eating, call us at (877) 554-0710 or contact us online.
